There is something deeply sacred in remembering.
As we start November, thanksgiving is at the forefront of most of our minds. Well, that and the odd juxtaposition of being thankful for what we have while simultaneously making Christmas lists and filling our shopping carts full. However, before we can truly give thanks, remembrance is a crucial first step.
Remembering is the key to thanksgiving.
Jesus shows us that there is a special relationship between remembering and thanksgiving at the Last Supper.
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19
The act of communion is sometimes called the “Eucharist.” It’s because the phrase “and gave thanks” is from the Greek word “eucharisteo,” meaning to be grateful, feel thankful, or thanksgiving.
In the act of communion, you give thanks, you partake, and you remember.
Remembering and thanksgiving go hand in hand. You simply can’t be thankful for something you don’t remember.
It’s an elementary concept, but it is one that we humans struggle with more often than not. Just check your reminders app, or notes scribbled on your calendar, or screen shots you’ve saved so you don’t forget something special. The human mind is a forgetful mind.
That’s why we’re reminded time and again in Scriptures to remember. How many times does the Psalmist urge himself to remember and give thanks?
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." Psalm 103:2
"Sing unto the Lord, o ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." Psalm 30:4
"I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?" Psalm 77:11-13
You have to remember so that you can give thanks, and there is sacred power in the act of both. Just look at the ten lepers in Luke.
Luke 17:12-14, "And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed."
These lepers, standing afar off, were cleansed by the Word of Jesus. Cleansed, but not made whole. Only one man was made completely whole.
Luke 17:15-16, "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan."
He turned around, drew closer to the presence of God, fell at His feet, and thanked Him. He wasn’t content to go on about his day taking his touch for granted. While the others were eager to begin their freshly cleansed lives, this one leper was eager to thank his Healer.
Then that leper was made whole.
Are you needing something today? Something from God? A fresh word? Another experience? A glimpse of the glory, a touch of the holy?
Go back to the One Who breaks the bread and pours the wine. Draw closer to the glory of the Lord. Like the leper, turn back, fall down on your face at His feet, and give him thanks.
Remember.
The ones who are thankful are the ones who relive the miracles. The thankful ones, the ones who remember, are the ones who experience the glory again. They’re the ones at the feet of Jesus. They’re the ones breaking the bread, giving thanks, eucharisteo, drinking the wine, and remembering.
What has God done in your life that you want to remember, celebrate, give thanks, and worship Him for?
Where has He brought you from?
What has He delivered you from?
Has He taken your ashes and given you beauty?
Has He turned your mourning into dancing?
Has He adopted you in and called you His own?
Has He shown you His glory through the Word, through His Spirit living in you, through creation singing His praises?
Has He made a way where there was no way for you?
Has He healed you? Redeemed you?
Go back to the site of your miracles, your encounters with God, and stir up your soul with sacred remembrance.
Experience His glory again. Remind yourself of His goodness. Those who remember fall at His feet in worship and are made WHOLE.
