Day Two Hundred Seventy “The Watch”
It was a rite of passage in our home, a bit of a peek into the window of adulthood, a first step towards independence. One by one our youngsters left the freedoms of childhood behind them and took on the responsibility of their first official job. For one, it was as a scooping ice cream at a local mom-and-pop custard stand; for two offspring, it was flipping burgers and grilling chicken at local fast food establishments; the baby of the nest would join the work force cleaning at our local church. I love looking back on those growing years, but one sentimental reminder of first jobs, a well-worn wristwatch, will always be dearest to me. Our son had worked his first summer job, allowing him to purchase some modest Christmas gifts using his own money. Always given to a generous heart, this youngster went to JC Penney’s and purchased a silver watch, for me, his mom. Two decades later that watch still graces my wrist, the face scratched and worn from time. But I could not bear a replacement, for it is a token of love and of sacrifice from a young boy’s heart.
The more I age, the fuzzier my memory. I forget words, dates, names, and at one time of another, the location of just about every item in my home. My Savior is well-aware of my propensity to forget, and knowing that fact, He instituted a simple memorial of remembrance. Referred to as the Lord’s Supper, or simply communion, Jesus left us an ordinance to elicit and to stimulate in our hearts the memory of what He has accomplished in our stead. “This do ye…” it’s not optional, but imperative, a command…”in remembrance of me.” Take the tangible elements of bread and juice in your hands and allow your heart and mind to be stirred as you call to mind My body, “broken for you,” mangled beyond recognition, and my blood, shed freely on your behalf to appease a just and holy God. As you hold this memory in your hands, remember My nail-pierced hands. Remember Me!
Just as a small, modest watch can bring me to tears as I call to mind the love of a generous son, I want to be constantly reminded of the wondrous, selfless love of a holy Lamb, “stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted, wounded for our transgressions…bruised for our iniquities.” May I never be guilty of forgetting the unfathomable love displayed, the undeserving mercy poured out, the life-sustaining grace imparted that day on the cross of Calvary. Lest I forget Gethsemane, Lest I forget Thine agony; Lest I forget Thy love for me, lead me to Calvary.
I Corinthians 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
Lord, may I never forget the amazing sacrifice of the Lamb of God, offered in my stead. May the memory of that price paid always be before my eyes.
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