REMEMBRANCE

REMEMBRANCE

Friday, July 3, 2020

Luke 22:19-20 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

  When we think of someone we love, we reverence that person. In my present view are numerous reminders, photos and items. Every time I look out the windows at the Stars & Stripes fluttering in the breeze, it reminds me of many things. On the sills of the windows rests old fashioned forked wooden clothes pins that Mother held many times in all seasons. (Even after a dryer that she refused to use “As long as I can stand I will …”) I remember her love, and discipline. Leaning in one frame is decorated WWI combat veteran Uncle Jim McGee’s WWII Air Raid Warden’s baton, I remember, including walking the darkened neighborhood streets with him looking for carelessness allowing slivers of light that I just knew that Nazi or Jap bombers could use to blast our homes. Go to a graveside or a once-shared place, a wonderful dynamic of remembrance occurs.

  Remembrance of Christ, who He is, what He has done and is doing, is necessary for worship; we consider and attend to that which we think about, whether person, place, or thing. Hence Jesus establishing the uncomplicated practice of communion; the physical objects, cup, bread, and wine, reminding us of Him and all that He is, especially His finished work.

  With Christ, remembrance is worship, but also edifying; considering Him and His love for us, we are strengthened and built up, and God is pleased. 

  Let us now remember and say with the Psalmist: Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger forever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul. (Ps.103) 

EBB4