23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 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.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11: 17-34.

 As I write, our nation is taking time to remember those who gave their lives for our country. We are reflecting on how our lives are different because of the sacrifice they made. It is good to remember that we are where we are because someone died to give us freedom.

 When Jesus met with His disciples at the last supper, He used the bread and the cup as symbols of His sacrifice, and asked that we would “do this in remembrance of (Him).”  As I pondered these verses, I couldn’t help but wonder whether we are thinking of Him as we go about the thanksgiving and remembrance activities.

As Christians, we can look on this day of thanksgiving a little differently. We can choose to remember that life on earth may not go as smoothly as we hope, but we also remember that nothing compares to eternity in His presence. We can be sure  that even if we live in chains on this earth, our hearts will be free by His love and grace. Today we are thankful that our redemption has been won, and that the God we serve is able to speak things into being (Romans 4:17), and that there is nothing too hard for Him (Jeremiah 29:11). 

Wars bring freedom, but wars also bring death. As we say thank you for those whose lives were lost to allow us to live in physical freedom, we choose to give thanks  that Jesus not only died to give us freedom, but rose to seal our hope of everlasting life. 

Personal application: I will choose to remember that His grace covers me.

Father, we are truly blessed! Thank you for extending Your hands of love and mercy towards us, that even in our state of sinfulness, Jesus Christ died for our sins (Romans 5:8) . Today many of us give thanks for the human sacrifice for those who fought for our freedom. We are thankful for their service, but we ascribe all glory and honour to You in thanksgiving for the ultimate Sacrifice. Today we can choose to live in the freedom that comes through a right relationship with Jesus Christ. We choose to celebrate our Lord’s death and resurrection today and always.

Many of us wear an outward emblem to show our gratitude for those who have served us. May our spiritual attire and the fruit of our lips be a living testimony of the gratitude we have for the grace we have received from Your hands.

You are the everlasting God, and You alone are worthy of our praise. As we eat and drink today, whether at The Lord’s Table, or at our own tables, may we lift our hands, our hearts and our voices as we say thank You for the blood and body that bought our freedom. Thank You for loving us the way You do!

Amen.

 
Blessings,
ann
Toni R
(c)
Except where indicated, Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.


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