Many of the things we remember are those that have sparked deep emotions.
This weekend the United States is faced with the anniversary and memory of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The events of that day evoked dramatic emotions as they occurred and even now as we remember. As strong as these emotions might be they should not drive us to react in ways contradictory to God's instructions. This week while thinking of this anniversary I came across these two scriptures that put my role in remembering and reacting into the right context:
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved,put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility,gentleness,and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so also you must forgive.Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful. Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Remembering is a big part of any Christ-centered worship service, because it is through the events of the service that we remember the story of God. The story a "re-presentation" of the gospel. God loved us so much that from the beginning of time set in motion a way for us to know Him through the sacrifice of His son. Part of Christ's instructions while he was on earth was to 'remember.' These instructions came as He taught His disciples to take 'communion' with a new objective in mind, 'remembering His body and His blood.'
Here are things I am praying for as I prepare for worship this weekend:
- Forgive me God
- and make my heart right so that I can take communion as You instructed
- that I have not done more to follow Your command to love all peoples
- that I have not done more to carry out your 'great commission'
- Bring me to a place of total dependance and surrender to you
- May I and all the Christ-followers in this country be Your instruments to infect this country with Your gospel
How will you remember this anniversary of 9/11 and how will you react?
What part of the God story will you remember in worship this weekend?