Friday, July 26, 2024

Scripture:

John 14: 25-31, Luke 22: 14-23

Questions to Consider:

How do physical reminders of our struggles, like Jacob’s limp, serve as spiritual lessons?
What are some practices we can incorporate to remind ourselves of our dependence on God?

Reflection:

First, can we all just shake our heads in amazement that it is almost August. As I typed the date for today it hit me different. It’s like our life is a breath and we need to enjoy and make the most of everyday. That is a plug (but true) for the work Stephen is doing on “Don’t waste your Breath” so stayed tuned for part two that is coming soon.

I didn’t bring that up just to promote the book review, there was an additional point tied to this morning. I always forget how fast time goes by. I am not sure how that is possible considering time is a thing we live in and experience everyday but still I forget how fast it goes by. I wish I had someone following me around and every moment worth cherishing they would whisper in my ear, “remember this, you’re going to want to keep this one.”

I don’t have such a person, none of us do, and we are plagued with the vice of forgetting. Not just the cherished things that happen to us everyday but we forget our salvation and our savior. Life happens, stuff happens, emotions happen and we forget. We forget that Christ (God) came into the world and lived the life we wouldn’t and couldn’t to atone for our sins that we didn’t think were that bad to secure an eternity we didn’t think we needed where we will be reconciled with our God and live in a place we can hardly imagine.

We don’t forget this in principle, we all still know the information but we forget what this information does to us now. Have you ever had a big vacation planned and for weeks leading up to it, the days are filled with excited anticipation? There is all the preparing and wondering and even many of the things that might otherwise trigger or disturb you are dismissed when you remember that vacation is coming and nothing is going to ruin my day. Surely I am not the only one who has experienced this?

But what if paradise is coming? Not Hawaii or Cancun or Colorado. The eternal paradise where we will once again dwell with our God is coming. This is longer than usual but I want to close with two things. First, we must not look ahead to paradise such that we let the present moments fade but rather we look ahead to remember that paradise, for us, has already began. Sproul says, “Right now counts forever.” We remember where we are going so that every moment now can be elevated into eternity. That remembrance is the guy following you around saying, “remember this, it’s going to last forever.” We just have to remember to remember.

That is my second point. Christ graciously gives us the spirit who helps us remember these things and brings to our mind all the things he has taught us and all the encouragements we need. We just need to pray and plead that the spirit would help us. Also, God graciously gives us limps or thorns to help us remember, to keep us humble and to keep our eyes fixed on eternity. Don’t curse God for the limps, rejoice that he is not letting you forget.

Practically what do we do. Pray often, take the Lord’s supper every week, read his word, talk about the things of God with your kids, your family and your friends, worship (not just on Sunday), Sing hymns and Psalms and spiritual songs. Further, wear something that reminds you of these truths (a bracelet, necklace or ring) or have some weekly tradition in the home that reminds you and refocuses you. As a church we need to do more liturgically to create these foundational habits of remembering, and we will, God willing.

Start today rejoicing and remembering because eternal paradise is ours, thanks be to God, and it starts now.

Prayer:

Thank you Lord for never letting me forget who you are, what you have done for me and where I am going. Help me Lord, by your spirit, to remind me of these truths that they may guide me every moment. Help me to remember, that I may live for you. In Jesus name, Amen.