07/16/2018
How is your memory these days; specifically, how is your memory of Jesus Christ? Do you need to be reminded to think of Him as you go about your day, or is He at the forefront of your thoughts always? Well, before you answer my question think long and hard. Our memories may not totally fail us, but there are so many times when they momentarily lapse, or perhaps we put things out of our minds.
“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."”
Luke 22:19 ESV
I am beginning to get a little older now, and there are a couple of things that my wife often reminds me of... she says I have poor hearing, and that my memory is beginning to slip. Actually, she says I have selective hearing, and that my memory is poor in the more trivial things of the past... like who we had dinner with at a certain restaurant several years ago, and I find it hard to argue on either of these points.
“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."”
1 Corinthians 11:25 ESV
So Jesus knew that in our sight, our hearing, and yes... our memory we are suspect so He gave us commandments and things to do that would remind us, and strengthen us in our remembrance of Him. He gave us things such as praying without ceasing, foot washing, drinking wine, eating bread, scripture, miracles, promises, told us Himself to remember Him, and in his name God sent us someone to constantly remind us of Him.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
John 14:26 ESV
Yet we still forget, or perhaps as my wife reminds me from time to time, we choose to forget... but despite our suspect memories, we never want Him to forget us! We are just like the criminal that was hanging on the cross beside Jesus; remember what he said?
“And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."”
Luke 23:42 ESV
And in His faithfulness and with a perfect memory, Jesus said to him...
“And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."”
Luke 23:43 ESV
Jesus wasn’t going to get wrapped up in the day to day things of heaven and forget this man. He wasn’t going to selectively forget because it wasn’t convenient to remember, He wasn’t going to forget because it wasn’t important to Him, and He certainly wasn’t going to forget because He didn’t find it necessary to honor His Word. That man would most certainly be with Jesus in paradise, and not tomorrow, or the next day... but that very day!
So if we expect Jesus to remember us perfectly, then isn’t it right that He should expect the same of us? He doesn’t want us to remember Him in church, and forget Him at work. He doesn’t want us to think of Him when it is convenient, but forget Him in our little lies. No, Jesus wants us to remember Him always and act accordingly. But at the same time He knows how frail our memories are, so He gives us things to help us; among other things He gives us Communion, the Holy Spirit, His Word, Prayer, and parables that cause us to ponder as we seek out their full meanings. With all the help He has given us, how is it that we still do things that are sinful, and as we are doing them forget Him, or put Him out of our minds?
Will you join me today in trying to perfect our memories? Will you take all of these helpful aids that Jesus has given us to remember Him by, and put them to use? Let’s make our prayers more than recitation, and our meals more than pleasing consumption.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the daily remembrances we have been given of You and your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you Lord for all of the memory ticklers throughout our day that draw us back from the world, and cause us to see you clearly again. Help us Holy Father to pray without ceasing, and to keep you in the forefront of our conscious minds. Remind us as we are about to push you from our thoughts and do something we will be ashamed of that you are our God, Jesus is our Savior, and that even when we choose to forget... you are still there. Hold us accountable Father, and call us to contrition; hear us in our sincere remorse asking for your forgiveness. In your mercy and your grace see the good in us, and help us to find it within ourselves... never let us forget you, and the path we are on that is bringing us closer and more perfectly to you each day. Perfect our memories Gracious Father, and fill every prayer, and wrap every thought we have, in remembrance of you, and Jesus Christ. You never forget us Lord, and your Glory shines forth from your faithfulness to your Word. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God; the truth, and perfection in your Word, and love for us. Praised be your name always!
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,”
Psalms 103:2 ESV
Rich Forbes