Good morning friends and welcome to Elmhurst CRC's daily dose of the Word of God. It's Thursday, May 23rd and Sunday is coming. This is Gregg DeMey, Lead Pastor at the church and God's word for us today comes from the book of Hebrews chapter 13, verses 7 and 8.
Gregg DeMey 0:28
Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you and consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Gregg DeMey 0:41
This is such a fitting passage for Memorial Day weekend when we as Americans are called to remember the service and sacrifices made by those who served in our armed forces and gave life and blood to earn and preserve the freedoms that we enjoy. The call to remember is also a regular biblical refrain. "Remember the great works of the Lord," is one of the most common refrains of the Old Testament. And I think of Jesus who asked us at the table of communion to, "Do this in remembrance of me." In this passage from Hebrews, it tells us to remember our leaders - those fathers and mothers of the faith who went before us and set a compelling spiritual example for us to follow. 'Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith," The Scripture says.
Gregg DeMey 1:35
This Sunday in worship we're going to follow this biblical directive and spend some time in the sermon remembering decade by decade through ECRC history how God has been so faithful and good to our congregation. I hope it will be really affirming for those of us who have been around for years and years, and illuminating and inspiring for those of us who are newer to the church. But of course, our memories are merely human. Our memories are short, imperfect, fallible - but God's memory is infinite, perfect and accurate. It's so comforting to know that in God's perfect holy memory, he remembers us. I sometimes like to join my prayer to the one of the thief on the cross, who requested Jesus, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus response to that request that prayer is incredible. The Lord said, "Truly, I tell you. Today, you will be with Me in Paradise."
Gregg DeMey 2:37
Let's pray. Holy Spirit, guide our thoughts and memories this Memorial Day weekend so we can be truly grateful for those who have gone before and sacrificed for the life we live. And thank you, Jesus, for making the best and most perfect sacrifice so that we might be with you in paradise. Thank you from our heart of hearts. Amen.
