Remember…

Have you seen the Lion King? I’m guessing that most of you have seen it. One of the memorable scenes in the Lion King is when Simba the young lion who is running from his “destiny” to be king of the pridelands sees his dead father, Mufasa, in the clouds. Mufasa says, “Remember…Remember”. I think the idea is that Simba is to remember that he is the rightful leader of the lion pride and that he needs to overcome his fear and shame and take the leadership of the pride. In 1 Corinthians 11 Paul is quoting the words of Jesus at what we call the “Last Supper”. In initiating what we call “communion” Paul records Jesus as saying this: “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” Jesus says to do this in remembrance of Me. I believe that when we take communion we are in fact to “remember”. We are to remember that Jesus offered his body and blood on the cross for our sins. By “remembering” that, I think Jesus has more in mind than simply remembering the act or the event. Rather, like Mufasa, I think Jesus wants us to “remember” what He has done in a way that spurs us to action…in a way that moves us to accomplish something for the kingdom of God.

How does “remembering” the sacrifice of Jesus impact your life? Does it move you to worship God for His sacrifice for you? Does it move you to serve others? Does it move you to share the gospel of Jesus Christ? Remembering is intended to encourage us to obedience, at least that’s how I see it. Things worked out pretty well for Simba and they’ll work out well for you also…just remember.