Quote from Forum Archives on May 26, 2003, 12:18 pm

Posted by: wrather <wrather@...>

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The Burning Bush Devotional
(Over 8,000 subscribers in 75 countries)

05.26.03

Memorial Day

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the
Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when
He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which
is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same manner He also
took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My
blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as
often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's
death till He comes. - I Corinthians 11:23-26.

Today in the United States is Memorial Day. Memorial Day was originally
known as Decoration Day when the nation's war dead were remembered and
graves were decorated with flowers. Even before the end of the Civil War
the graves of those who died in the south were being decorated and
remembered. Memorial Day was first officially observed on May 30, 1868 when
flowers were placed on the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers at
Arlington National Cemetery. The day is celebrated in almost every state
now on the last Monday in May. Instead of flowers there are now flags being
placed on the graves of those who served the U.S. Military. However, even
with a national Memorial Day many believe that there are a vast number in
the United States who do not know and understand about the traditions of
this day or even why it is observed. On Memorial Day we mourn the loss of
loved ones, remember their lives, and are thankful for their sacrifice.

As Christians we have a most important event to remember - the sacrifice of
our Lord Jesus on the cross almost 2,000 years ago. Our Lord prior to His
crucifixion instituted one of the ordinances of the church in order that we
might not forget. The Lord's Supper or Communion is observed in all
Christian denominations as commanded by Jesus. It is a vivid picture and
reminder of the cost of the sacrifice of Jesus. As we observe the Lord's
Supper we should morn the loss, the great cost of God's Son dying in our
place, we should remember how Jesus lived His life, and rejoice in the
salvation given to all those who believe in Jesus as their personal Savior.

Why did Jesus have to die? Because as Romans 3:23 says, "for all have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God," and the wages for those sins is
death (Romans 6:23a). What should have happened to us because of our sins
is death, eternal death. But Jesus came to give us life providing a way for
us to escape this eternal death sentence as Paul writes in Romans 5:8, "But
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still
sinners, Christ died for us."

As we observe the Lord's Supper we should remember that the crucifixion of
Jesus was undeserved in that Jesus lived a perfect life. The writer of
Hebrews says, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with
our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin
(Hebrews 4:15)."

Finally as we observe the Lord's Supper we should rejoice in this great
salvation given to us at such great cost. "But thanks be to God, who gives
us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:57)."

The Lord's Supper/Communion is observed at varying frequencies by different
denominations and churches. However, as ransomed saints of God we should
always have upon our hearts and minds the great sacrifice and salvation
given freely to us by our God through Jesus. We should never let a day go
by without remembering and thanking Him for what He has done. For the
Christian every day should be a Memorial Day.

Copyright © 2003. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the devotionals
on a non-profit basis with source credited.

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