Sunday: Christ's Memorial Day

         Memorial Day is an American holiday meant to honor those who gave their lives for their country. We enjoy our freedoms because of their great sacrifice. It is a day to say thank you, not only to the soldier, but the family and friends who lost a loved one. Sadly, we do not even know the names of the vast majority of those that died for us.

         However, the meaning of Memorial Day is often lost because of our selfishness. It becomes about our cookouts, camping, family gatherings, shopping for deals, or whatever else we want to do. We forget about those who died for us. That is perhaps one of the most tragic statements we can make about our society.

         In Christianity, we also have a memorial day. It is a memorial for Jesus Christ. It is not Easter or Christmas; instead it is every Sunday. You see Sunday is the day that Jesus resurrected from the dead.

Matthew 28 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. ² And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. ⁴ And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. ⁵ But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”

         During the first century, the church met together on the first day of the week. One of the reasons they gathered was to take of the Lord's Supper. This act is often referred to in the Bible as the breaking of bread.

Acts 20: ⁷ On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.

         The purpose of the Lord's Supper is to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He died for our sins. He paid our price of lawlessness. He paid for our home in heaven. He asked us to remember Him during His meal.

Luke 22:¹⁹ And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁰ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

         Jesus' sacrifice is worthy of remembrance and it is deserving to remember it as often as the church gets together every Sunday. We often forget the real purpose of the Sunday morning service. This is not a time to put on a show to attract a crowd. It is not a time to feed the ego's of people. It is not a time to tell people what they want to hear to make them feel better. No, it is a time for Christ. It is a time to say thank you for the cross. It is a time to celebrate the fact that we have eternal life. It is a time to celebrate the victory over death and sin. It is a time to gather as a church family to say thank you to the Father for sending His Son to die for us. It is all about Christ. It is not about the preacher, it is not about the church, it is not about how many people come to a building or about how much money is in the offering. If it is anything else but Jesus Christ, then it is idolatry.

         Sadly, for too many Christians, Sunday has been taken for granted. I hear the excuses from Christians all the time. They say, "It is the only day I can sleep in." I am glad Christ did not want to sleep in when it was time to go to the cross. Other says, "There are ball games my kids or my favorite team is playing." I am glad that Christ did not let sports come ahead of our salvation. Still some say, "People at the church made me mad and I do not want to be around other Christians." I am glad that Jesus did not let others stop Him from His act of service.

         Every Sunday is the Lord's Day. It is a memorial for Him. We need to set aside our selfish desires and remember Him as He asked to: around His table, for His Supper, with His church, and to honor His sacrifice. This coming Sunday is not about you but it is about your Savior. Please remember Christ's memorial day next Sunday.