Study Notes Ed Underwood

“Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24). The church today needs a clearer view of the big picture of the Bible—a broader understanding of how the Bible is put together and how the events, people, and places connect. This is what Bible students call a synthetic study of the Scriptures. We’re dedicating two years to a synthetic study of the Word of God—all 66 Books.

As we work our way through the Word of God a few patterns will surface and we’ll discern the repetition of certain themes. One of these is the significance of memorials in the life of God’s people. The Hebrew term azakarah is a sacrificial term describing the act “which brings the offerer into remembrance before God, or which brings God into honorable remembrance with the offerer.” The verbal form, zakhar, means “to penetrate or pierce.” The thrust of the word is to impress on the memory of the one offering the memorial some act of God having to do with His faithfulness. (ZPEB, s.v. “memorial”, IV, p. 179)

Memorials aid our memory by preserving what we cherish most. Most families have pictures and keepsakes that remind them of wonderful memories with loved ones they do not want to forget. Cities, states and nations erect memorials to great leaders, the dead in combat, and historical battles or events.

Our trek through the Pentateuch and the Conquest period of Israel’s history reveals God’s desire that His people remember His faithfulness in this way. He instructs the leaders to schedule events and feasts or to construct memorials to commemorate His great acts of mercy and deliverance on behalf of Israel:

God gives His people a memorial to proclaim His faithfulness to the next generation and the world.

1. Old Testament Remembrances: God told His people to proclaim His faithfulness in ways that would give them an opportunity to teach about Him.

   1. The Passover: The Passover is a spring festival associated with the historical event of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:1-28, see especially vv 24-27).

   2. Twelve Stones: God instructed Joshua to set up 12 stones from the Jordan on the western border in Gilgal so that they would not forget His miraculous faithfulness to His promises (Joshua 4, see especially vv 6-7, 19-24).

   3. Hymnology and Liturgy: Many of the inspired songs of Israel’s worship recounted these great events. Psalm 81 is one of many examples.

2. If your children or someone you were discipling asked, “What do you mean by this service?” could you answer?

   1. Christian Education is a combined responsibility—both the church and the home need to be involved.

   2. Every Christian needs a firm understanding of the foundational truth of our faith—Christ died for our sins.

   3. Everyone on earth needs to hear about the Lord’s death—the Lord’s Table proclaims His death.

  Don’t forget to remember remembrance!

III.To Help You Proclaim His Death: Here are the basic facts of our New Testament Remembrance. At His last Passover feast on earth the Lord asked His followers to remember His work on the Cross at His table to be sure we wouldn’t forget His work on our behalf.

1. The Lord’s Table is a rite (celebration, ceremony, observance) of remembrance of our Lord (1 Corinthians 11:26).

2. It is a memorial of His work on the Cross, remembered through elements which represent His body and blood (Mark 14:22-24).

3. The fact that the elements are separated commemorates His death, a death that was violent and accompanied by bloodshed (Hebrews 9:22).

4. The fact that it is generally observed on Sundays, the day Christ arose, reminds us of His bodily resurrection.

5. The fact that it is only “till He comes” reminds us to look forward to His coming again for His church (Mark 14:25).

IV.CHURCH LEADERS, PARENTS AND DISCIPLEMAKERS: DON’T FORGET TO REMEMBER REMEMBRANCE!

A. In corporate worship—not as an add-on but central to worship events. B. In family worship—when the Spirit moves you to teach and worship at home. C. In small groups or with friends—to mark significant events memorably.