*Disclaimer: I typed out this blog and then forgot to publish it. This should have gone out a week ago.
This past Monday was Memorial Day: A day where we take time to remember those who gave their life for our country and others. Their sacrifice has allowed us to experience freedoms that many people in our world have never experienced. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and lay down their lives for others. And it’s important that we take that time to remember and reflect on their sacrifices.
Taking time to stop and remember is important. It’s something that we see encouraged time and time again throughout God’s Word. In the Old Testament they put up memorial stones to remind them of different moments and ways God provided for them. Many of the Jewish customs and traditions come from events that impacted their lives and community. So every year they remember as they take part in these special days and events.
Remembering is important and we even see it as a command that Jesus gave us in the scriptures. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 it says: “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Jesus didn’t say think about doing this or this might be a good thing for you to do. No, He said, “Do this.” We are commanded to do these things in remembrance of Him. Why? Because when we do these things we proclaim His death. When we do these things we remember what He did for us. We remember that He is our Savior. That He saved us from sin and death and that He saved us for a greater purpose: so that we could go and tell others of His Good News! It’s important that we take time to remember: to remember those moments or times in our lives and throughout history that have shaped who we are and to remember the power of sacrifice. The sacrifice of men and women who served our country and helped give us amazing freedoms and the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ that has given us new life.
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