People belonging to a particular community experienced immense oppression because they were considered lower in the hierarchical social and religious status. The women were not allowed to wear upper clothes, and if they wore it would be torn, and women would be beaten up and fined. Charles Mead, who worked among them, helped them to understand that they were created in the image of God, and they could dress modestly. When the women did, they were beaten up, and there were riots. But, at last, they won the rights for their dignity.
Forgetfulness: However, that community forgot the contribution of the missionaries. Some created a false narrative giving credit to some politicians, stating that missionaries neither contributed to their liberty nor their dignity. Like a Pharoah rose up who did not know Joseph and his contribution to preserving lives during the seven years of famine. (Exodus 1:8) Modern-day rulers are like this Pharaoh.
Pride: After two-three generations have become modernized, and they do not want to remember or recollect such a horrible past. Instead, they created a myth stating that they were kings and knights, but because of bad days, they endured such ignominy. Instead of remembering such negative things, one should remember imaginary, glorious things. The pride removed the truth from their memory.
Warning: The Nation of Israel was warned regarding such forgetfulness and pride. The phrase: ‘Remember you were slaves,’ is repeated in at least three verses. (Deuteronomy 5:15; 16:12; 24:17-18) First, Israel has to keep the Sabbath, which was not a privilege for slaves in Egypt. They had to work every day in Egypt without rest. Sabbath is for them to rest, reflect, renew the covenant, and rejoice in the Lord. Second, Israel should follow all the commandments of the Lord and not follow the practices, trends, traditions, and culture of other nations. Third, they should cultivate a habit to practice righteousness, mercy, care, and sympathy, which they should extend to foreigners or immigrants, fatherless, orphans and widows. That means to be a blessing to those who are marginalized.
Do I remember the low estate from which God lifted me?