Tag: Remember!
A prophetic proclamation!
Scripture reading for July 21: 1 Corinthians 11
“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when 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 also He took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
One of the issues in the church at Corinth was in their conduct of Holy Communion. This meal given to the church by Jesus Christ was causing divisions. Some were eating and not considerate of others that came late. Others were getting drunk. The rich and poor were in conflict and some were humiliating and despising one another. This was not Christ Jesus’ intent or instructions.
Paul explained what he understood from the Lord Jesus concerning the elements of Holy Communion. Jesus took the bread and gave thanks. He broke it and gave it to the disciples declaring, “This is My body which is for you.” As they partook of the bread, they were to remember Jesus and the giving of His body for their sins and sicknesses. Jesus willingly was made sin on our behalf. Thankfulness was the simple response to this amazing show of love. When Jesus took the cup, He proclaimed, “This cup is the New Covenant in My blood.” As they partook, they were to remember His blood shed for the payment for sin and give thanks. Paul explained that this eating of the bread and drinking of the cup was a proclamation of Christ’s death until He came again. This was a prophetic act remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection and return again for His people and drinking the cup in the newness of the kingdom. This meal was intended to unite believers (the Bride of Christ) around the death, resurrection and return of Jesus Christ the heavenly Bridegroom.
How have you understood the sacrament of Holy Communion? Have you ever not taken Communion because of your own heart being not right with a brother or sister or spouse? Will you be more aware of the coming of Jesus next time you receive Communion?
Prayer: Holy Father, thank You for this Holy meal designed by You to help me remember Jesus Christ and His work on my behalf. Forgive me when I have partaken of this sacrament with a wrong heart towards another person or You. Remind me each time of the prophetic proclamation of Jesus’ soon return. Amen.
Remember!
Scripture reading for February 22nd: Deuteronomy 1-4
Deuteronomy has a literal meaning of “second law” because Moses was recounting for them their past experiences with God. This last book of Moses is a series of sermons that Moses gave in his last year with the Israelites, before he was taken to be with the Lord. The congregation consisted of all those younger ones who were 20 years old or less when the exodus occurred, except for Joshua and Caleb.
“What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? (Deuteronomy 4:7-8)
God’s presence for guidance and prayer is so special. God’s people were blessed to have a living God who cares for them and answers prayer. Moses reminded these people of God’s provision and how He met their needs when they cried to Him. He also gave them laws that made them a great nation. These laws made them “righteous” if they would obey them and contrasted them with the pagan nations of Canaan.
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Remember . . .” (Deuteronomy 4:9-10a)
A key word in Deuteronomy is “remember”! As a pastor, Moses is concerned that this younger generation will let their valuable lessons learned from forty years in the wilderness slip from memory. He is concerned about the children that have been born and will be born into God’s family. They must be taught by the parents and these lessons passed down so that the failures are not repeated and the successes are emphasized! If we don’t learn from history, it will be repeated!
These pastoral concerns are as real today as they were 3500 years ago. We are a people who must remember the Lord and teach our children. Discipleship is needed with each generation if faith is to be passed down. Take time today to remember all that the Lord has taken you through. Thank Him for His grace and goodness and remember your children!