This Memorial Day Remember Jesus

“This Memorial Day Remember Jesus”

2 Timothy 2:1-13

David P. Nolte

Three sisters, ages 92, 94, and 96, live in a house together. One night the 96-year-old draws a bath. She puts one foot in and pauses. She yells down the stairs, “Was I getting in or out of the bath?” The 94-year-old yells back, “I don’t know. I’ll come up and see.” She starts up the stairs and pauses. Then she yells out, “Was I going up the stairs or down?” The 92-year-old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea and listening to her sisters. She shakes her head and says, “I sure hope I never get that forgetful.” She knocks on wood for good measure. She then replies, “I’ll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who’s at the door.”

Because most of us have overactive “forgetters” and our “rememberers” are anemic, we need reminders.

We may tie a string around our finger; we may ask someone to remind us; we may put it on a calendar or in a tickle file or write a note to ourselves.

We also set aside certain days as official days: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, Mother’s and Father’s Day. Memorial Day is one such reminder.

We fondly remember and acknowledge loved ones who have departed; we remember and honor our veterans, living and dead, for their service to the greatest nation on earth.

But this is a worship service and we are here to honor and celebrate Jesus. So, this Memorial Day let us remember Jesus.

Solomon wrote, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, ‘I have no delight in them.” Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NASB).

Join the Psalmist in saying, “I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11 (NASB).

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:1-13 (NASB)

What are some particulars to remember?

I. REMEMBER THAT HE SELECTED US:

A. “For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.”

1. Jesus told His disciples, “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, ....” John 15:16 (NASB).

2. What a strange collection the early disciples were!

a. There were fishermen who gave up their nets and boats.

b. There were tax collectors who abandoned their career.

c. There was a politically radical anti-Rome zealot.

d. There was a demon possessed prostitute.

e. There was a tent maker who was also a Pharisee and a persecutor and opponent of the church.

3. Paul was amazed at Jesus’ choice of him, and marveled, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:12-16 (NASB).