A large part of Christianity is remembering. While we should constantly look forward, by its very nature the Bible dictates that we should continually look back in memory of things that have been said and done on our behalves. But memory is not just a mental exercise, when it pertains to our faith that memory needs to be displayed through action as well. This week’s Sermon Starter is about three memorials included in any true Christian life:
Title: Our Master’s Memorial
Text: Psalm 20:6-7
Main Point: At the root of any memorial is the ability to remember – this is a blessing God has given to us in keeping with His likeness (Genesis 1:26). Too many look at memorials as mere personal conveniences. Memorial holidays are used only as days for fun and frolic and memorial monuments become nothing more than tourist attractions. But memorials are inherently intended to serve as reminders of those things of the past that have left indelible marks on our lives. As Psalm 20:6-7 indicate, the lives of many are focused on an implicit trust in everything of this world, but as Christians our lives must be lived with the constant reminder of God’s trustworthiness. It is no coincidence, then, that under the scope of New Testament Christianity God has installed certain memorials of our Master for us to serve as reminders of His love and mercy.
Discussion Points:
§ The Name of God – A Memorial of Love – If I were to ask you to write off the cuff remarks regarding the name “Jesus” most of them would likely make a reference to His love, mercy, and sacrifice. His name has become synonymous with His sacrifice of love and Peter declared that salvation was found in no other name that in the name of Jesus. In Psalm 135:13 David referred to the name of God as an enduring and eternal memorial. But what are we to personally do with such a name? We should use it in reverence (Psalm 34:3). We should wear it proudly (Acts 11:26). We should do nothing that would disgrace it (Hebrews 6:6). As the old hymn says, “There’s just something about that name” because it is by that name that we can be saved (John 20:31).
§ The Lord’s Supper – A Memorial Feast – The night the Lord’s Supper was instituted Jesus stated what His original intention was. It was to be a memorial of the sacrifice He was to make (Luke 22:19-22). Some have been known to desecrate that memorial aspect of the Lord’s Supper. An example of this would be the Corinthians church in which some had turned the Lord’s Supper into nothing more than a common meal (1 Corinthians 11:17-22). Viewing the Lord’s Supper as a common meal removes the integrity intended in its observance; thus Paul reminded them of its original intention (vs. 23-26). When we view the Lord’s Supper with the proper attitude and observe it with the proper reverence then “This Do In Remembrance of Me” becomes much more than a pithy statement engraved on communion tables, it truly represents the purpose for which we assembly.
§ Our Gospel Obedience – A Memorial Act – In Matthew 16:24 Jesus explicitly said that the sacrifice of one’s life was a requirement of any who would follow after Him. Paul went on in Ephesians 3:9-10 to describe the manner by which we sacrifice our lives before Him. We must sacrifice the old man of sin and put on the new man born again unto righteousness. But this is simply following after a pattern provided by God. In Romans 6:3-4 Paul demonstrated that just as Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the grave so then must we. Our death is to sin, our burial is in water, and our resurrection is unto newness of life. Thus our purpose is to pattern ourselves after the likeness of His death that we might also be patterned after the likeness of His resurrection (Romans 6:5). Each day then serves as a memorial day in sacrificial living patterned after His humility and servitude.
No greater person could be remembered than Jesus Christ. But He must be remembered properly out of love, honor, and respect. By remembering as God has told us to remember we will not only look backward to all that has been done but we will be able to look forward to what one day awaits!
-Andy Brewer