The Memorial
"And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them,
saying, 'This is My body which is given for you, do this in remembrance
of Me.' Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is
the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.'" (Luke 22:19-20).
We went to the new Long Beach Vietnam Memorial, on the evening before
Memorial Day. The helicopter had actually been used in Vietnam and
seemed very appropriate at the center of the site. Everything looked
great except for the graffiti. Different persons or groups had come
along and made THEIR marks of one kind or another.
We observed that the comments, illegible in most cases, had nothing to
do with Vietnam or those who died in that conflict. The next morning, on
Memorial Day, we arrived early with scrub buckets in hand, and had the
privilege of removing those marks, using an industrial cleanser with the
interesting brand name of "Grace".
While we were there, a young man came along on a bicycle and asked if he
could help. He started on a nearby stone bench and we worked alongside
one another in silence for some time, scrubbing and thinking. His name,
pronounced through a Hispanic accent and a wonderful smile, turned out
to be George, and he had been in the service. Then he saluted and left,
because he wanted to find a Memorial Day parade for his dad. Later,
another smile lit our day, as a man who was handing out flyers for a
restaurant, told us he had been in Vietnam and he thanked us for what we
were doing. We thanked him for his service. He later came back, because,
as he said, “I was so excited by what you’re doing that I forgot to give
you a flyer!”
There is a purpose in that Memorial and it is to remind us of those who
served, suffered and died for their country. Whatever you think about
the Vietnam War, it is certain the men who died were acting on behalf of
others. The message had been clear but it was obscured by the graffiti.
It took only a time of cleaning and the message of lives given for
others again was seen. Unfortunately, more graffiti will come in the
future but on this Memorial Day, the message was clear.
Much like young men in Vietnam fought in a war and died for others,
Jesus Christ fought in a war also, and He died on our behalf for the
sins of the world. In Scripture, we find that Jesus has left us a
Memorial, a series of them, actually, reminding us of what was done. But
unlike the soldiers in past wars who are no longer here, He is a Living
Reality, with us right this minute. The war is still going on and He is
both the Chief Casualty in that war and the One who has secured Victory
for us all.
One of the Memorials He left us is baptism, which should be a clear
message to every one of us, but graffiti is scribbled when we quarrel
about how it should be done. One immerses and another sprinkles. Someone
pours a cup of water, and so on. The fact is that baptism speaks of the
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He died that you might live! In
baptism we accept Him and His death, agreeing publicly that we JOIN Him
in death, and in exchange, receive eternal life through the Son of God.
HE is what is important; not your scribbled message or mine.
Communion is much like baptism. A great message is shown but graffiti is
also present, because men like to write complicated rules that obscure
the simplicity and wonder of the death and new life in Christ. Communion
is a Memorial, a commemoration of what Jesus Christ has done for you and
me. Whole groups of Christians have divided over something that should
bring us together. Instead of precisely how we receive it, it's WHO HE
IS and what He has done.
Someone gave us a gift certificate for a small, local restaurant called
the "Village Café”, and as we ate there recently, we were pleased by the
excellent service. While we were completing dinner, a gentlemen dressed
in white came and stood before us. He was a somewhat large black man
with a thick accent, who commented with a large smile, "You eat too
fast!" and told us much more, including the information that, "In my
country, we eat for four hours." I asked him what country that was, and
he replied, "Belgium!"
His advice was very good, because we are always in a hurry and indeed,
we "eat too fast". He was the Chief Cook and knows about food - we
listened to him. Jesus has much to tell us, and since He is the Chief of
us all, we should listen to Him, more than anyone who has ever lived.
"This is My body", Jesus said, as He broke the bread in advance of His
death, and when we take that bread, we not only are in Memorial (in
remembrance) of what He did, but are also in agreement that we receive
Him and His death for this world. But death is not the end, for all who
trust in Him, live in Him. He also said, "This cup is the new covenant
in My blood, which is shed for you" (Luke 22:19-20). Just as He gave His
life for you, He reasonably expects you will give your life to Him. In
Luke 9:23, He said - "Take up thy cross daily, deny thyself and follow
Me."
In Baptism, you tell the world you have entered His death and new life -
in Communion, the promise is the same. He calls the "cup", which was the
cup of "redemption" at the Passover Seder (the Last Supper), a "new
covenant" in His blood. A "covenant" (or "testament") is a legal
contract. He has given up His life in exchange for yours. An Offer has
been made and all that is lacking is your acceptance. The
"consideration" (a legal term - something of value given) is His blood.
He gave His blood, His life, His everything for you and me.
Remove the "graffiti" from the Memorials of our Lord, and see the clear
message He expects us to understand: From God's perspective, we are
sinners, in need of Someone to make us clean. Everyone dies and their
messages, lovely as they may be, die with them. But He is Infinite in
all His ways, and His Contract, written eternally in His blood, is
Offered to you. It is in front of you right this minute, waiting for
your acceptance. The "graffiti" obscuring His message has been removed
by the Grace of God. Will you say "yes" to Him?
You are encouraged to visit “How To Receive Christ” at
www.fridaystudy.org and trust in Him now. Have you done that? Then write
and tell us:
Ron@fridaystudy.org
– God bless you
Ron Beckham, Pastor
Friday Study Ministries
www.fridaystudy.org
ron@fridaystudy.org
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