Remember and Never Forget
The Daily Devotional
Monday, January 27, 2025
Remember and Never Forget
They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:9)
Introduction
Isaiah paints a vision of God’s ultimate peace, a world where violence and hatred are no more, and knowledge of the Lord saturates every corner of the earth. On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we pause to reflect on humanity's capacity for evil and the hope for a future where such atrocities will never be repeated.
Reflection
The Holocaust stands as one of history’s darkest chapters, a chilling reminder of the depths of human sin when hatred reigns unchecked. Millions of innocent lives were lost, and the world was forever changed by the weight of this tragedy. As Christians, we are called to stand against such evil, to remember the victims, and to ensure "never again" is more than a phrase but a commitment.
I once heard a Holocaust survivor speak at a community event. She recounted how, as a child, she watched her family torn apart and endured the horrors of a concentration camp. What struck me most was her resilience. "Hate is heavy," she said. "It destroys the one who carries it." She ended her story by urging us to love more fiercely and to stand against hatred in all its forms.
Her words echo the hope in Isaiah’s prophecy. Though the world has witnessed profound evil, God’s vision is of peace and restoration—a holy mountain where harm and destruction are no more.
Application
As we reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust, let us recommit ourselves to being agents of God's peace. This means:
1. Educating ourselves and others: Learn about the Holocaust and its lessons to combat ignorance and denial.
2. Standing against hatred: Speak out against injustice, antisemitism, and bigotry wherever they arise.
3. Building bridges: Reach out to those of different faiths and cultures to foster understanding and love.
Isaiah’s vision reminds us that the kingdom of God is one of justice and mercy. As Christians, we are called to reflect that kingdom in our daily lives.
Conclusion
International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a solemn time to reflect on humanity's past and commit to a future filled with God’s peace. While the world is not yet free of hate, we trust in God's promise of restoration. We honor the memory of the victims by living lives that reflect the love, justice, and mercy of Christ.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, Today we remember the millions who suffered and perished in the Holocaust. Comfort the survivors and the families of those who were lost. Teach us to be vigilant against hatred and to stand for justice and peace in a broken world. Help us to embody Your love and to be a light in the darkness. May Your kingdom come, and may the earth be filled with Your knowledge and peace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
