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.