God begins the case against the Israelites by reminding them of God’s saving acts of service, mercy, and love toward them. It is as though God is asking the beloved people, “Do you not remember who I am and who I have been to you?”

When we’ve been in a relationship a long time, we can easily forget the attributes that make us love, appreciate, and rely on our loved ones. Familiarity breeds comfort—but not always in a good way. The Israelites’ seeming loss of memory is doubly astounding because God has saved their lives time and again. God delivers them from slavery in Egypt and gives them not one but three leaders to help them. Moses teaches and instructs them. Aaron atones for them, and Miriam demonstrates the call to worship and praise in constant recognition of God’s provision and deliverance. Even when others plot against the Israelites or they sin and should be punished, God still chooses to protect them. God’s complaints are justified, and God wants answers.

We may be uncomfortable with thinking about where we have let God down. But self-reflection on how we may or may not be nurturing that relationship is an important practice in our relationship with God; it is a healthy practice for any important relationship. Our relationship with God should be our most important one because it helps us remember who we are, whose we are, and who we are called to be in all areas of our life.