Do this in remembrance of Me!

Do this in remembrance of Me!

In ecclesiastical circles, the Lord’s Supper is known as a sacrament, which is simply a religious rite or observance. As normal, what was meant for us as a why to remember Jesus’ sacrifice has become a nearly meaningless ritual. We have institutionalized it, codified it and organized the life right out of it. When Jesus sat with His twelve disciples on the night of that last supper, His heart was heavy. He knew what was in store for Himself but He also knew what was in store for those seated with Him.

One would betray Him with a kiss, and then, finding himself deceived, commit suicide. One would vow undying allegiance only to find his pride, his bravado and his fealty shattered before the next sunrise. One would see himself losing a brother but gaining a mother. Another who wallow in doubt and sorrow. All would have their world shattered, their very purpose for living questioned and their hope lost.

But Jesus wanted them to remember so He took an event that they were well acquainted with – the Passover – and told them to remember.

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:14-21 NIV

For Jesus, this was not a religious activity nor was He establishing a sacrament. He was with His friends. He knew that He and they were about to embark on a very difficult and deadly journey and He wanted them to remember.

Even the Passover was established to help the Jews remember – to remember God’s salvation from Death and their deliverance from slavery. It is good to remember.

So it is today that we, in the United States, remember. We remember those who fought to allow us to live in freedom. We remember those who gave so that we might be safe and secure. We remember those who died in our place so that we would not be slaves to any tyrants.

What follows is an outtake from the movie “A Few Good Men”. Pay particular attention to Colonel Jessp’s (played by Jack Nicholson) monologue.

Colonel Nathan Jessep on the Standwritten by Aaron Sorkin

Jessep: You want answers?
Kaffee (Tom Cruise): I think I'm entitled to them.
Jessep: You want answers?
Kaffee: I want the truth!
Jessep: You can't handle the truth! Son, we live in a world that has walls. And those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives...You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall.We use words like honor, code, loyalty...we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use 'em as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it! I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!


There are many who protest the war in Iraq as others did Vietnam. But they forget that those very military actions are what preserve their right to protest and live. War is not pretty and until Jesus comes back to establish His 1,000 year reign, it is going to get worse not better.

And yet, we must remember!

Living near Yuma, AZ, I have many opportunities to encounter men and women serving in the armed forces. I have met a number of Marines who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan because of the Marine Air Station located in Yuma. We also have the Yuma Proving Ground, home of the Army and their Golden Knights parachute squad. About an hour away, there is a Naval Air Station which happens to be the winter home for the Blue Angels. We routinely see Harriers flying over head. All this is say, that I take every chance I get to meet those serving in the military to say “Thank you”. We have families in our home school group whose dads are currently overseas. I tell the families left behind how much we appreciate their sacrifice.

Do this in remember of Me!

It is good to remember and even better to say thanks!