REMEMBERING
Luke 22: 17-19
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." (ESV)
Devotional
When John and I moved to Arkansas at the end of the summer of 2004, we knew we had to find a doctor, a dentist, a mechanic, and a number of other people to provide needed services. But first of all, we had to find a bank. Stepping into the lobby of several banks and looking at their brochures about various accounts, we determined there was not a great deal of difference in interest rates.
But one bank seemed to have a happy atmosphere, as if the employees were glad to be working there. Not a teller or anyone behind a desk looked bored. The employees seemed interested in the people they were serving.
The person who answered our questions about accounts explained that this bank was not only named “Community First”, but it was really about serving the community. She spoke of the founder of the bank with admiration, and said the employees cared for one another like family. I noted that the leader of this bank highly valued serving others and his value permeated the organization. We opened an account with Community First Bank.
In January of 2005 the community was shaken with the news that the founder of our bank, King Gladden, was killed in a plane crash. Never before had John and I seen so many people so impacted by a death. The Ministerial Alliance met the day after King’s death and devoted most of our meeting that day to prayer. Prayer gatherings and support groups emerged to help people in the community work through their grief. A sign in front of the bank read, “Quietly he made a difference.”
I wondered if we would see a difference in the atmosphere of the bank now that the beloved founder and respected leader was no longer physically present.
I observe the employees as the months pass since King Gladden’s death. I notice that they still seem to enjoy good camaraderie with each other. I notice that they go out of their way to answer questions or solve problems for customers. Several of the tellers know me by name. About a month ago I noticed a sign posted inside the bank. It read, “We serve you in memory of King Gladden.”
The sign helps us all remember that one individual can make a difference. In this community, it helps many who loved this individual to know that King’s influence still impacts our lives.
But I wonder what difference it makes to the employees who see that sign every day. I wonder if it makes a difference to an employee who is having a bad day to glance at that sign. I wonder if a teller who is feeling impatient with an elderly customer can see that sign and feel a renewed desire to show kindness. I wonder what happens when an officer who could so easily say, “Sorry, there is nothing we can do for you”, sees that sign. Does she think creatively out of the box in an attempt to find some way to help?
What about the employee who finds himself mentally “checking out” before the work day is over? Does he find inspiration to “go the second mile” when he sees that sign? What about times when employees get on each other’s nerves? There are bound to be conflicts and disagreements that surface from time to time in any organization. Do employees see that sign and remember that the mission they share is bigger than their disagreements or aggravations with each other?
“We serve you in memory of King Gladden.” Seeing the sign at the bank, I thought about the Lord’s Supper, with congregations gathered at the table of the Lord. Every time we eat the bread and drink from the cup we hear Jesus’ words, “Do this in memory of me.” “Do this in memory of me” are words carved into the wood on many communion tables placed in the center of the worship space in congregations.
We believe the Easter message. He lives! He is present with us through His Holy Spirit throughout each ordinary day. We serve a living Lord. Yet, we need reminders of His value of serving others that is also our value. We need to be aware of the opportunities each day presents for making His love real for others. And we extend ourselves for the total good of others, even when they do not seem particularly lovable to us. Why? Because we love Him.
Could it make a difference for you and me to imagine we wear a sign every day, for everyone to see? The sign reads, “I serve you in memory of Jesus.”
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