Memories

I enjoy walking on the beach at sunset. My body relaxes as I feel the cool sand ooze up between my toes and my anxiety melts like the setting sun on the horizon. Looking behind me, I see my footprints briefly decorating the sand before they are washed away by the gentle surf. Memories of similar walks with loved ones flood my mind. In my imagination, I can almost see their footprints as well. Like tracks in the sand, they have left their imprint on my heart and soul.

The beach is a sacred place for me. I feel small as I’m overwhelmed by the magnificent power of the ocean and the intense beauty of God’s creation. God’s Spirit speaks to me while I walk. He reminds me of the sweet relationships of the ones who have walked with me. He gently whispers that my sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus, just like the waves that have covered my footprints. They are gone, never to be seen again. My Heavenly Father remembers them no more.

I think about Jesus sharing the Passover meal with his disciples in the upper room shortly before He was crucified. After the meal, He took bread and wine, served it to His beloved friends, and told them to remember Him. The disciples did not know or understand what the future held for their Lord, but they ate and drank as Jesus instructed. This simple, sacred act demonstrated the sacrifice of Jesus and the new covenant between God and His people. Only after Jesus was crucified and triumphantly rose from the grave would the disciples understand the reference to His body and blood. Jesus asked them to remember Him and what the shedding of His blood truly means. Many centuries later, believers still embrace this holy sacrament and remember what Jesus did. The sacrifice of Jesus is imprinted on our hearts and souls, and we remember.

He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.“

Luke 22:19-20