REMEMBER

Today is Memorial Day, a day of remembrance of those who died in service to our country while fighting for the cause of freedom- A day to appreciate and honor those who put love for country ahead of personal comfort and safety. Flags are flown, cemeteries are visited, speeches are made, songs are sung. This holiday is for one specific purpose – remembering!

Remembering is good and important. We remember with gratitude those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy in this country. We honor them, memorialize them, thank God for them and for their families. Because of them our country has remained free. Never forget!

There is another who sacrificed for our freedom and we are called to remember Him.

During this pandemic, stay-at-home orders kept us from church services where we remember His sacrifice when we partake of Communion. At the very first Communion Jesus gave thanks, broke bread, and gave it to his disciples, instructing them, “do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)

The Apostle Paul later wrote to the church in Corinth,

“…the Lord Jesus on the night in which He was betrayed took bread, 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.' In the same way He took the cup also, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"Paul explains, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

“In remembrance of Me” 

Always remember, not just at Communion, that Jesus died for our freedom.

He is here, and where He is, there is freedom! (2 Corinthians 3:17)

The freedom He gives brings:

·         Freedom from the bondage (captivity, enslavement) of sin - Romans 6:7, 22; Galatians 5:1

·         Forgiveness - Acts 13:38-39

·         Eternal life – Romans 6:22

·         Release from the law of sin and death - Romans 8:2

·         Blessing – James 1:25

·         Desire to serve others – Galatians 5:23

·         Ability to stand firm – Galatians 5:1

·         Power to live and walk as free people – Galatians 5:13-25

And “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” - John 8:36

This freedom came at a great price. The Gospel of John chapters 18-19 give a chilling account of the price Jesus paid for our freedom. Read it and remember!

Whenever we see a cross...

Whenever we take communion...

Whenever we appreciate being forgiven, loved, accepted, chosen by God...

We remember what it cost Him.

Never forget!

because Freedom is NOT free.

Gratefully,

Ruth