Don't Forget!

Jesus' last supper here on earth with His close circle of friends was the Passover meal, a celebration all Jews enjoyed because of its reflection on their freedom from slavery in Egypt. He knew it was the last time He would eat before His suffering.

On the last day for the people on death row, they get to pick whatever they want to eat. For some it's a steak and for others it's ice cream. Jesus had other things on His mind. He instituted our communion service with the twelve. He said of the bread, "This is my body broken for you. Eat this in remembrance of me," and of the wine, "This is my blood poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins." It sounds so formal to me, but I think He meant to say, "Don't forget me! Don't forget why!" He said to His followers, ". . . Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:19-20).  He wanted them to tell about the crucifixion, burial and resurrection for they are the power of our faith. Because His followers obeyed, we can know the truth today and have a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I would love to see the mural in Dallas, Texas that depicts the resurrection of Jesus by artist, Ron DeCianni. The Son rising from the grave and pushing back the stone, His eyes on the Father. The keys of sin, death and hell on His belt. Because He is victorious, we can trust Him to carry us to where He is. That is our hope. That's what Easter is all about.

This video is a must-see to appreciate the painting that took more than two years' work. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yABivU-AKQ

May God bless your Easter with His love and presence.

Don't Forget

Read Deuteronomy 8

God led the Israelites from Egypt through the desert to humble and test them. He wanted "to teach them that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God," Deuteronomy 8:3 NIV. Yet when they were hungry, He gave them bread from Heaven and
when they were thirsty, He brought water out of a rock. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell. Still the people grumbled and didn't trust God. A whole generation died in the desert for lack of trust before Israel crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land.

I, too, lived in the desert, failing to trust my God and my Savior, choosing my ways over His, day after day and year after year. I, too, died there (spiritually). Thinking I was good for nothing, I didn't want to go on. I didn't know how to make things right, but God did. He sent Jesus to take away my sin and give me a new life, a life of trusting Him. Wow! why didn't I do this before? I don't have to depend on my own wisdom or strength because I can trust God for all I need. Oh, life didn't become magical or problem free, but now I have a Friend to walk with me, counsel and comfort me.

Now check this out. The Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil. It makes me think of my time in the desert. I was tempted and fell into sin. Jesus didn't. He used words from Deuteronomy 8 in response to the devil's tempting to turn the stone into bread. "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God," Matthew 4:4 NIV. Jesus was tempted as we are--by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, but every time He used God's word in defense. That is what He wants us to do too, to know God's word and apply it.

Application
Before Jesus went to the cross, He was with His disciples at the Last Supper and said, "Don't forget me! Don't forget why! Love others as I have loved you. God's love is the answer to our deepest need. Will you let God love you today? forever?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I pray for those reading this post, that they may know Your amazing love and respond. Amen.