We recently observed the memorial service of President Ronald Reagan, fortieth president of the United States. As His casket lay in state in the Capitol rotunda, special TV and radio programs reviewed his life. They replayed memorable moments from his presidency. Historians had a heyday recalling historical events and analyzing his accomplishments and shortcomings. That's what historians do; they replay the past, frequently putting their own spin on it all. Some of the replays are true to life, but some are tainted by the bias of the author.
Today much of the entertainment industry is sustained by the use of replays. Most TV programs only produce a certain number of episodes, and when these are used up, they fill the rest of the season with replays. Old shows are replayed to commemorate an important anniversary or famous person. People delight in taking home movies or videos of family outings, vacations, anniversaries, and entertaining their friends with replays of these events. How often we have seen replays of "The Miracle on 34 th Street" at Christmas time.
The Bible advocates replays to encourage and motivate God's people. Just before the children of Israel entered the promised land, Moses admonished them to never forget how the Lord had led them in the past. He proceeded to replay their providential escape from Egypt, the water and manna in the wilderness, the presence of God in the sanctuary, victory over their enemies, etc. Even today we are told that we have nothing to fear for the future except we forget how the Lord has led us in the past (Testimony to Ministers, p 31).
The greatest replay in history is just ahead. It occurs at the end of the millennium, after the Holy City descends from heaven and the saints are all safely inside. Then the wicked of all the ages will be resurrected and will surround the city, the books will be opened and the wicked will be conscious of every sin (GC p 666). This is the Book of Seven Seals pictured in the fifth chapter of Revelation, and those who crucified Christ will be present when it is opened. "In all its vindictiveness the decision will appear before them in the day this book is unsealed by the Lion of the tribe of Judah" (COL. p 294). A great panorama of earth's history will be flashed on the heavens. Every person will see the part they played as actors on the stage of the great drama of the ages (GC. p 667). The wicked will see their wicked deeds, and they will confess that they have been judged justly and are not worthy of salvation. At that time, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil. 2:10,11) when they view "the ultimate replay."
