Remember Me
The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering Christ and the significance of the Lord's Supper in nurturing our relationship with Him.
H. P. Barker emphasizes the importance of remembering the Lord Jesus Christ and not forgetting His sacrifice and love. He draws parallels between the forgetfulness of humans towards each other, like the late Queen of the Belgians, and the forgetfulness of the chief butler towards Joseph in the Bible. Barker highlights the significance of partaking in the Lord's supper as a way to cherish and remember Christ, rather than focusing solely on personal blessings or benefits received.
Text
We naturally like to be remembered. It would pain us to know that our friends never think of us when we are absent from them. "My people no longer remember me," said a late Queen of the Belgians; "it is time to go." The words were the last she ever uttered. Her heart was broken by the forgetfulness of those who were dear to her.
Before the chief butler left the precincts of the prison, Joseph made a very simple request of him: "Think on me, when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me" (Gen. 40:14). When once again the butler moved in the high circles of the Egyptian court, it says of him: "Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him" (Gen. 40:23). Sad words, telling once again the story of human forgetfulness and ingratitude.
Has it ever struck you, Christian reader, that your Lord and Savior has made of you a request similar to that of Joseph? He does not want His people to forget Him. It is well that we should note the exact terms of His request. "Take, eat...in remembrance of Me." Observe that He does not say "in celebration of your blessing," or "in remembrance of the benefits conferred upon you," but "in remembrance of ME" (1 Cor. 11:24).
How can we explain the indifference of many Christians to this touching request of their Lord? I can understand anyone saying, "There are so many sects and companies with divergent views, that I am puzzled where to go to join in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus." But it is difficult to understand that one who owes his all to Christ should be content to let the years slip by without being concerned as to partaking of the Lord's supper at all! Does such an one understand that it is the way He Himself has appointed for His people to show that they do not forget Him, but cherish His memory and desire His company? There is nothing that can so touch the heart and renew the affections as this remembrance of the Lord Himself. Our cold, forgetful hearts may be warmed; our affections renewed and fixed afresh on Christ, as we are gathered, even if only two or three in number, for the remembrance of Him.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The human desire to be remembered
- Examples of forgetfulness in relationships
- The pain of being forgotten
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II
- Joseph's request to the chief butler
- The butler's failure to remember Joseph
- Lessons from Joseph's experience
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III
- Christ's request for remembrance
- The significance of the Lord's Supper
- Understanding Christ's desire for our remembrance
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IV
- Indifference among Christians
- Challenges in participating in remembrance
- The importance of communal remembrance
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V
- The impact of remembrance on our hearts
- Renewing affections through remembrance
- Gathering in His name
Key Quotes
“'My people no longer remember me,' said a late Queen of the Belgians; 'it is time to go.'” — H. P. Barker
“'Think on me, when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me.'” — H. P. Barker
“'Take, eat...in remembrance of Me.'” — H. P. Barker
Application Points
- Regularly partake in the Lord's Supper to strengthen your relationship with Christ.
- Engage in communal worship to foster a sense of remembrance among fellow believers.
- Reflect on the sacrifices of Christ to renew your affections and commitment to Him.