Remember His Words

And they remembered his words. Luke 24:8 ESV

Our modern, American lives can have us running around at a mind-numbing pace. Constantly running to appointments, meeting work demands, taking care of our families, and trying to keep up relationships with our friends can leave us worn out and longing for a break. In the midst of all that, as believers we also try to ensure that our relationship with God doesn’t fall by the wayside. But distractions can arise or we purposefully create them so that we can have some time for ourselves. We can do our best to make it a priority, but somehow the zeal we have during holiday seasons wanes and we discover that our faith has become another item that numbs our minds.

The disciples were perplexed by the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Even though He had told them that He “must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Luke 9:22), they were really at a loss when the reality of it occurred. The women who went to the tomb got a great surprise when they went to anoint Jesus’ body. They encountered the supernatural and were told, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” (Luke 24:5-6a). The angels told them to remember what Jesus had told them and they went and told the others what they had been reminded of.

As we are a few weeks removed from the celebration of Resurrection Sunday and are a few months out from the celebration of Christ’s birth, I want to encourage you to remember. “I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things” (2 Peter 1:13-15). Do not forget to intentionally celebrate the beauty and holiness of God with excitement and fervor during the rest of the year. The Lenten Season, Holy Week, and Advent should not be the only times we are intentional about sharing and acknowledging the birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Family and friends should be encouraged to worship with us on a random Sunday in October in the same manner as they are at Easter. Remember His words.

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Romans 12:11 ESV

Originally written for Gospel Community Rivermont Newsletter 5/9/19