Remembering: What We Owe To Christ

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – 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 broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also 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.

How good is your memory? Mine is not as good as it might be. Most people have, in various places around the house, framed photographs of parents or family members or friends. Hopefully we don't forget these people, but the fact is, it is easier to remember them if we see their pictures.

When someone retires from a job or an organization they often receive a presentation – something which is an expression of thanks but also a reminder to the recipient of those with whom he or she worked. It can be referred to as a "tangible token" and as such, it makes remembering easier.

As Christians we are called upon to "remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead." (2 Timothy 2:8). That's something we should do at all times and in all places, though sometimes it is easier to do with the help and encouragement of our fellow-Christians, for example in the context of worship.

Christ himself provided a special way for us to remember him. Just as Jews remember the Exodus deliverance in the Passover, so Christians remember God's great act of redemption in the Lord's Supper. The elements of bread and wine, like a photograph, remind us of Christ; but more than that, they are "tangible tokens" which make his presence real to us. In line with the biblical understanding of remembering, the Lord's Supper does not merely recall a past event. The past is brought into the present with compelling power. As members of God's people we know the presence and power of Christ as we do this in remembrance of him.

Prayer:

According to thy gracious word,
In meek humility,
This will I do, my dying Lord,
I will remember Thee.

When to the cross I turn mine eyes,
And rest on Calvary,
O Lamb of God, my Sacrifice,
I must remember Thee.

Amen.

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