Jump Start # 3833
Hebrews 13:7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the [a]result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
Note: Monday is Memorial Day. There will be no Jump Start posted that day.
Monday is Memorial Day—the official kick off of the summer. Schools are wrapping up another year. Vacation times are about ready to take place. The weather is nice and it’s time to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors. Memorial Day started as a time the nation remembered the soldiers who died defending the country. In time, it became known as “decoration day,” where loved ones would visit cemeteries and put flowers on the graves of family members.
Built into this concept of Memorial Day are two principles. First, there is something to remember. Memory or remembering is built into our DNA. We remember birthdays, anniversaries, special events in our lives. It is those Precious Memories that are important to us. Secondly, not only is there something to remember, but there is something worthwhile. For the nation, it is remembering the ultimate sacrifice of the soldier. There is no greater cost than one’s life.
Have you ever thought about a Spiritual Memorial Day?
First, at the top, without even pausing to think, would be Jesus. He is the sacrifice. He gave His life so we could live. His death would be labeled as torture today. Humanitarian groups would protest the violent, heartless and painful death upon the cross. There was nothing humane about it. It was intended to be slow, agonizing and ugly. It was a statement. One didn’t want to mess with Rome after the way some died on the cross.
Where would we be today without Jesus? Most of the people I know, I would not know, had it not been for Jesus. Our troubles would only be magnified in our emotions and minds had we not been forgiven by Jesus.
We don’t build statues for Jesus. What we do is gather for worship. We remember through the Lord’s Supper a death that changed the world and changed us. We live righteously as a result of that. We live with the hope of eternity because of that death.
Second, Antipas would be on my list of Spiritual Memorial Day. We don’t know much at all about him other than a fleeting reference in Revelation as one giving his life. He died for his faith. He is called faithful by the Lord. But, what we do know is that God remembered him. God placed his name in the Bible so all generations would know about him. He was special to God and for that reason, he is special to us.
But, what a great reminder for us. The labor and work of so many disciples of our Lord has been forgotten through the years. A few names here and there stand out, but those that tirelessly preached day and night, traveled far to spread the word, are all lost to history. God knows them. Those that were the backbone of congregations and kept things going when it was hard, known but to Heaven today. Like our Antipas who has a few brief words in the last book of the Bible, but a reminder that the Lord knows.
Third, James, Stephen, those early preachers of God’s word, killed because they preached the truth. They trusted in the Lord, were courageous and out spoken, but for them, their lives ended. And, even today, we stand upon so many shoulders of those who are no longer with us. They served as devoted shepherds. Through their giving, they kept the church going. They preached. They taught. They had a servant’s heart. Every congregation has a number of names that surface to the top of those who did so much for others. Do you know the names from your congregation? The first preachers there. The first elders. Those who opened up their homes so the church could meet in their living room. They did so much and now they are on the other side. What a tribute of thankfulness we owe them. We do well because of what they did.
And, if we look around, there are those coming quickly behind us who will be standing upon our shoulders one day. We are leaving footprints for them to follow. Are we leaving the church better than when we found it? Is it stronger? Is it in better shape?
Memorials—much to be remembered. Much to be thankful for. Much to reflect. Much to think about what am I doing?
Roger