“‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten.” ~ Luke 22:19b-20a
It had been an incredible run. Jesus and twelve men. The experiences, pain, disappointment, buffet dinners, victory, rejection. “God with us” had done his work, and now, in an intimate, tender, painful and momentous experience, Jesus invites his closest followers to systematically enter a place of remembrance, where they can return, time and time again, even when Jesus is gone. Especially when Jesus is gone.
The invitation reads, in remembrance. In this call Jesus certifies the appropriateness of history in its power to validate, to inspire, to motivate and, in some sense, to obligate. We can. We will. We must. We shall. Because He did. And don’t forget it. Don’t ever make “today” an island. Connect it. Always draw it back. Usher your dreams down the pathway of Calvary. Remember.
And as is true in my Christian faith, it is true in all of life. An American flag flapped in the Memorial Day breeze in front of our house in Aurora, Colorado so that I would never forget what my freedom cost. So that I would live in gratitude and stewardship.
Yes, in remembrance. Hearts won over by sacrifice, fueling lives propelled by purpose. Jesus reminded the remnant that history is the lace that cinches up our track shoes for today’s race.
“Don’t ever forget, this moment, this pain, this change in the trajectory of mankind, because I gave my life for you.”
My life, now the byproduct of sacrifice, should reflect the humility that exposes a heart of thanks, a heart that remembers.
To those that have, or are, defending the defenseless, protecting the powerless, and fighting for freedom, I promise to remember. To honor. To cherish.
And to my Lord, all that I am, all that I have, and all that I ever hope to be, Yours. All yours. Because I promise to never forget.
For the best reasons of all, I remember, we remember.
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