Remembering is Important

By: Pastor Jim Schoon

KEY PASSAGES:

1) JOSHUA 4:7b—“When it(Ark of the Covenant) crossed the Jordan, the

waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the

people of Israel forever.”

2) I CORINTHIANS 11:24-25-“This is my body which is for you; do this in

remembrance of me…This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this

whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Today is Memorial Day, a day of remembering the men and women who gave their

lives in the service of our country. They were willing to serve for a purpose

greater than themselves…and they gave all they could so our lives could be lived

in freedom. We extend a heartfelt word of thanks to them as we remember them

on this special day.

The Bible also talks about the importance of remembering. The passage in Joshua

talks about the people of Israel crossing the Jordan River into the Promise Land.

They were to build a memorial out of stones…one stone for each tribe. This

memorial would be a reminder of how God had led them through the wilderness

and into a land He promised. The focus was on the faithfulness of God and how

He had worked in their lives.

The passage in I Corinthians is a statement we use when we serve the Lord’s

Supper, and they are also words regarding the importance of remembering. Jesus

has given us those words to use in the sacrament of communion for the purpose of

remembering what he has done for us. In the breaking of the bread and the pouring

of the cup, we are reminded that his body was broken, and his blood was shed so

that we could live a life of meaning and purpose. He died for the forgiveness of

our sins, and the opportunity to live in freedom. Remembering is important.

As we live today, may we remember those who have given of their lives in the

service of this country. And may we remember Him who gave His life in the

service of humankind. Both sacrifices have made a difference in life.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we are grateful for all those in the service of our

country who have given their lives so we may live in freedom. We thank you for

the sacrifice they have made, and for the gift they have given to many. We are also

grateful to You for the sacrifice and gift You gave us in the life of Your Son, Jesus

Christ. Thank you for loving us in such a way that you showed us that love in

Jesus. May we always remember that you are working in our lives in ways to

make us better people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.