Are we in the habit of coming to the Lord’s table? If so, in what frame of mind do we come? Do we draw near intelligently, humbly, and with faith? Do we really feel our sinfulness and need of Christ? Do we really desire to live a Christian life? Happy is that soul who can give a satisfactory answer to these questions. – J.C. Ryle

Most of my life, I’ve been a history buff. The first time I visited Washington, D.C., it was unforgettable. God has been good to me in that I’ve been there several times since. Some of the most moving memorials for me are The Vietnam Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Lincoln Memorial. After the spring when I first visited D.C., I was a camp counselor that summer in New York and able to visit the Statue of Liberty. I was with other counselors, and we broke out singing together God Bless America. One of my fondest memories is the same day of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, members of Congress stood together on the steps of the Capital singing God Bless America. When our children were all still at home, we were able to take them there, too. It was wonderful!

I love America! And while I’m proud to be an American, I love Jesus more! Many Americans sacrificed and died for their fellow Americans so we could have the freedom we enjoy. But my Savior died for everyone, so that we all could be free from sin, and not only free, but forgiven forever! 

Every other month at Grace, we celebrate communion as a church. Some churches celebrate it every month. Some celebrate it every week. A church I attended during my formative years celebrated it once a year. Today we’re coming together to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. 

The Bible never tells us how often we’re to celebrate our Lord’s death. We’ve chosen to celebrate it every other month, so it doesn’t become too familiar. Is that the right amount? I don’t know. I’ve often quipped, “Don’t stand behind me at the Bema Seat, because I’m going to be there a while.” 

Jesus gave us communion to help us remember His great sacrifice for us, and I’m so thankful for that because it’s easy for me to forget Him. Too quickly after I start my day I forget He’s always with me, even though I know based on His promises He always is. In Hebrews 13:5, He promised us, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. And don’t you love that promise in His Great Commission before He returned Home to His Father, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20)?

Every day I begin my day thanking Him again for His sacrifice for me and forgiving me for my many sins. I never want to forget the cross. I never want to forget that as the blood flowed out of Him, He prayed to His Father for the very ones who nailed Him to that cross, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:24). Because I know that because of my dark heart, I might have been screaming with that vile crowd, “Crucify Him!” But He still loves me and has forgiven me. 

Then, I never want to forget that when our world seems out of control, when there’s so much evil, violence, injustice and hatred – my Jesus is still on the throne. One day He’ll fix it all! I long for the day when He’ll shatter the heavens and come for me and everyone who has trusted Him as their Lord and Savior. But I continually forget all these things…Communion helps me remember. 

So, today as we partake together of these elements, remember and celebrate Jesus. While it may seem silly to tell Christians we need to remember Him, we need to. None of us think about Him enough and what He’s done for us. We fail to consider how the gospel—the good news about Him—is meant to affect every facet of our life.

For most of us, if the name of Jesus does cross our mind, it’s when we need something or are facing a crisis. Too often it seems as if the account of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection are cherished truths yet strangely disconnected from daily life. Hopefully, you remember Him before you eat a meal and thank Him for it. We’re so blessed compared to much of the world where they not only don’t know where their next meal will come from, they’re not even sure that there will be one. 

Unfortunately, I have spiritual amnesia when I wake up in the middle of the night and begin worrying about something. I must shake myself awake to pray and entrust it all to the One who loves me with an everlasting love. Then, I can sleep in peace. Yet remembering doesn’t come naturally and the Enemy of our souls wants us to forget. That’s how he sucker punched our first parents, getting them to forget about God’s love and command.

Too often the reality of Jesus’ presence, His love for me is like my car’s spare tire. I know that it’s there and could find it if I looked for it, but I never think about it unless I’m in a jam. No, my thoughts are generally entangled with my “To Do” list, my projects, who I need to call or meet with, what groceries I might need to pick up, my next sermon or blog.

I forget how the sacrifice of His life has not only radically transformed my life, but it can also transform the life of everyone that I meet, if only I’ll share what He has done for me with them…too often sadly, I forget. 

Nearly every day I check my calendar to write my “To Do” list. I check it throughout the day and intentionally focus on it. To remember my Lord, I must intentionally focus on Him and so should you. 

Communion isn’t about us. It’s about Him: His sinless life, death, resurrection, ascension and reign and the promise of His (I hope soon) return. The magnetism of His life should draw my thoughts to Him. Each of us needs to “preach” the gospel to ourselves every day. Our burdened and often discouraged hearts are in dire need of gospel celebration. When you fail today, which you’re going to do, you need the comfort of this proclamation: He died for that very sin. When you feel overwhelmed by responsibilities, remember He’s not sweating any of it. He is ruling sovereignly over every part of your life. And even better, soon He’s coming back to right every wrong, heal every sickness and hurt, and relieve us of every trouble. 

So, as we partake of Communion today, remember that it’s a Celebration! If you’ve accepted His free gift of salvation, you’re forgiven, not only for the sins you’ve done but for the ones that you’re going to do…and we’re all going to get Home before dark! Someday He’s coming back to take us Home forever to live with Him and our many loved ones who trusted Him and are waiting for us there! Now that’s something to celebrate!