“This is my body given for
you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19 NIV).
Today is Memorial Day and a time to
remember those who died while serving in the armed forces. We are humbled by
their sacrifice for us. When we went to visit Washington D.C.
we witnessed the changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldier. It
was one of the most moving experiences of my life. The precision of what they
did was amazing. All of the tombstones marking those who fell during war
was sobering. I came away from there feeling such an overwhelming feeling of
gratitude for those who gave their lives so unselfishly for me.
In this same manner, I approach communion. I
feel sadness and gratitude that my Savior would give of his life for me. Every
time I take it, I bow my head in prayer in remembrance of His love for me. That is exactly what He
meant when He said the above words in this verse. We are to take communion to
remember His body, broken and wounded beyond description. He took upon Himself
all of our sins so that we might be forgiven and receive eternal life. He died
for you and me. It is a solemn occasion and a time for sober reflection and
prayer.
Next time you take communion, remember that
it is a very sacred memorial set in place by Jesus. Always remember that God
loved you so much He gave His only begotten son so that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Dear Lord,
We are humbled by the sacrifice of those who
gave their lives for our country. We also are humbled by the fact that you gave
your only Son to die for our sins so that we can have eternal life. May we
never forget His sacrifice and how much you love us.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
