April 26

Morning

and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” — 1 Cor 11:24 BSB

It seems hard to believe, but Christians can forget Christ! There would be no need for this loving reminder if there weren’t a very real danger that our memories could fail us. And sadly, it’s not just a possibility but a tragic reality we must face. It seems almost unimaginable that those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, loved with an eternal love by the Son of God, could forget their gracious Savior! But as shocking as it sounds, it’s a truth we can’t deny.

Forget Him—who never forgot us? Forget Him—who poured out His blood for our sins? Forget Him—who loved us even to death? Can it really be? Yes, not only is it possible, but we know it’s true. Our consciences testify that we often treat Christ as a passing guest, a traveler stopping by for a night. The One who should dwell permanently in our hearts is instead treated as a visitor. The cross, where we would think our memories would linger, is too often trampled by the feet of forgetfulness.

Does your conscience not confirm this? Do you not find yourself forgetting Jesus? Some other love steals your heart, distracting you from the One on whom your affection should be fixed. Earthly cares consume your attention when your eyes should be set on the cross. It’s the constant noise and demands of the world that draw us away from Christ. While memory holds tight to worthless things, it lets the Rose of Sharon wither. Let’s remind ourselves to bind the heavenly "forget-me-not" around our hearts for Jesus, our Beloved. No matter what else we let go of, let’s hold fast to Him.

Evening

“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.” — Rev 16:15 BSB

“We die daily,” said the apostle Paul. This was the life of the early Christians—they carried their lives in their hands everywhere they went. Today, we are not called to face the same level of persecution, but if we were, the Lord would give us the grace to endure it. However, the tests of Christian life today, while not outwardly as severe, may be more dangerous than the trials of the early church. We must endure the world’s sneers, but its flatteries, soft words, and false praises are even more perilous.

Our danger lies in growing wealthy and becoming proud—in conforming to the ways of this present world and losing our faith. If wealth isn’t the challenge, then worldly cares are just as harmful. If the devil cannot tear us apart like a roaring lion, he is just as content to smother us like a bear. He doesn’t care how he destroys our love for Christ and our trust in Him, as long as he succeeds.

I fear the church is at greater risk of losing its integrity in these comfortable times than in the rougher, more difficult days of the past. We must stay alert because we walk on enchanted ground and are likely to fall asleep unless our faith in Jesus is real and our love for Him burns brightly. Many today, in this age of easy Christianity, may prove to be mere hypocrites, wearing the mask of faith without being true children of God.

Christian, don’t think these are times when you can afford to relax your watchfulness or let your passion for Christ cool. You need both more than ever. May the Holy Spirit empower you so that in both the trials of ease and hardship, you can declare, “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!”