And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:24
Many people struggle with harmful memories. They spend a lot of emotional and mental energy, trying to forget their past. In some cases, people try to forget about abusive experiences. Some people try to forget about harmful relationships or their experience of abandonment. In truth, there are memories we do not want to keep in the recesses of our minds because of the trauma they cause.
In today’s text, Jesus invites us to remember his broken body and His shed blood. The very idea we should remember that the person we proclaim to be our God was broken, wounded, and died is scandalous. Yet it is precisely this memory that will help us when we face challenging moments in life.
When we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can face our circumstances with more faith. The memory of a wounded and bloodied Jesus walking out of the grave on the third day should give hope to those who are battling cancer, COVID-19, or any other illness, that they can also overcome their illness. We need to remember that we have the victory because Jesus arose with the victory.
God wants us to remember that he is a healer to the sick, a comforter to those who mourn, and a provider to those who are struggling financially. We should never forget that the Lord is our shepherd and our refuge. When hopelessness invades our soul, we have to remember the promises of God and be encouraged amid our vicissitudes.
Do not let hurtful memories traumatize your spirit. Instead, remind yourself that despite the painful experience of the past, you have the victory in Jesus in the present. Whatever happened to you did not break you. You are still standing in the name of Jesus. What happened to Jesus at Calvary authenticated his identity as the Savior of the World.
When we remember the way people treated us, the troubles we’ve seen, the hardships we’ve endured, we should shout Hallelujah because all things have and are working together for our good because of the love of Jesus. Yes, our yesterday is working together for the good of today because we are stronger and wiser in the Lord. It may not feel that way because we often bemoan those negative memories. My suggestion is that we learn to redeem those memories in remembrance of Christ.
Many people find it difficult to forgive those that have hurt them because they cannot let go of the hurtful memories. Jesus invites us to redeem those hurtful memories by remembering how he has forgiven us and reconciles us to the Father. When people and circumstances remind us of our failures or inadequacies, we need to remember that Jesus “was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
The songwriter says, “Jesus, I will never forget what you’ve done for me. Jesus, I will never forget how you set me free. Jesus, I will never forget how you brought me out. No, never!” In remembrance of Jesus, comfort those that mourn. Because you remember what Jesus has done for you, extend a helping hand to those in need. In remembrance of Jesus, extend forgiveness to those who hurt you. Redeem the memories of your past so you can be a blessing in Jesus' name.
Prayer- Blessed Lord, may we never forget what Jesus did for us at Calvary. As we go through the issues of life, may we never forget that your joy is our strength.