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“What Mean Ye By This Service?”

by Micky Galloway

This weekend many will be celebrating Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day. It is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans have now forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. From the remotest antiquity the institution of feasts, games, etc., has been used to keep up the memory of past grand events.

The question before us, “What mean ye by this service?” is a question that would be asked by the young of the nation of Israel. It is anticipated in the context of Exodus 12:26 when the Passover feast was first instituted. What is the meaning of all this care and exactness about eating this lamb, and this unleavened bread? Why such a difference between this meal and other meals? The parents were to answer, “It is the sacrifice of Jehovah's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses” (Exodus 12:27). The Passover reminded Israel of their history and their future. It looked to the day when the Messiah would die for the people.

Later a similar question is anticipated. As the children of Israel passed through the Jordan river, on their way into the promised land, Joshua told them, “take you up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel; that this may be a sign among you, that, when your children ask in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? then ye shall say unto them, Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of Jehovah; when it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever (Joshua 4:5-7). This pillar of stones erected at Gilgal reminded Israel of God’s power and grace in bringing them into the land of Canaan.

There are many things that God has expected His people to remember. For several of these He has commanded a memorial to help us remember. We are to remember those who have been imprisoned because of their faith (Hebrews 13:3) as well as those who rule over us and have taught us (Hebrews 13:7). Paul desired that the Thessalonians remember him (I Thessalonians 3:6). We would do well to remember the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us (Hebrews 12:1-3). Most importantly however, let us remember Jesus.

Jesus was the greatest person who ever lived. Everything about him was great: His person, work, influence, etc. More books have been written, songs sung and discourses given regarding Jesus than all other men combined. To remember Jesus is the most important responsibility of life. The Lord’s Supper is done in remembrance of Jesus. It serves as a memorial (Luke 22:19-20, I Corinthians 11:23-26) and we are to observe the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week (cf. Acts 20:7). The Lord’s Supper reminds us of our Lord’s sacrifice for our sins. This should motivate us to live for Him, and to serve Him diligently. As long as we observe His Supper we will remember the Lord! But what do we mean by this service? What is it about Jesus that I should remember?

I must remember the life that He lived! His life was a perfect life. Pilate said, “I find no crime in Him.” (cf. John 18:38: John 19:4-6; I Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26). He was made perfect through suffering. “For it became Him … to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering” (Hebrews 2:10). He was made perfect through obedience. “Though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). He was tried in all points like we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 2:16-18; 4:14-16). His perfect life is my example (cf. I Peter 2:21). My life can be like His only when he lives in me! Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me; and the life that I now live, I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20). It will make a difference in your life. Paul said, “Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:19-20). Do you remember the life of Christ?

I must remember the death that He died! Jesus died the most cruel and inhuman death of that time, the death of the cross. Think and remember what happened to him before the cross. He was scourged by Pilate. “… And Pilate therefore took Jesus and scourged him” (John 19:9). He was beaten with a multiple pronged instrument. A cross was placed on his back of raw flesh to be born. His was a death of suffering. Some deaths are easy and quick, but not death by crucifixion. His was a death of humiliation. The trials were but mocking. Not only was he scourged, but they placed a crown of thorns upon him and spat upon him. He was crucified between two robbers, etc. (cf. Acts 8:33; Isaiah 53). His death was a death for others (cf. Isaiah 53:4ff.; Romans 5:8). Do you remember the sufferings and death of Jesus?

I must remember the promises that He has made! They are exceeding great and precious promises (cf. II Peter 1:4). He has promised the forgiveness of sin (Matthew 26:26ff.; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; Hebrews 8:12). He has promised to be with us (Matthew 18:20; cf. Hebrews 13:5). This is important in times of temptation and times of loneliness and fear. He has promised to come again (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11). His coming may be at any time (Matthew 24:36-39, 44). “Be patient therefore, brethren unto the coming of the Lord” (James 5:7-8). He has also promised us eternal life (Revelation 2:10; II Timothy 4:6-8). This promise is made only to those who are “in Christ.” “Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (II Timothy 2:10). Do you remember the promises of Jesus?

Memorials are very important for a nation and for a family. The memorial of our Lord’s life, death and promised return is the most important memorial of all because it reminds us of who we are and where we are going . Remembering these great truths will keep us close to Him, and prepare us for life with Him in eternity.

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