`What is Christian Worship?’ Series: Remembrance
Matthew 19: 16 -30
Introduction
When we come to Remembrance Sunday each year there is a special time of thought and reflection at the churches and at war memorials throughout the country. In my position as Chairman of Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall it is also a reminder that the hall was built to commemorate the Peace following the First World War. People in 1924 were hoping that there would be no more wars, that the First World War would be the last and that civilised dialogue would become the way of the future. We know now, that this ideal has not come to pass and that people today, as we approach the hundredth anniversary of the hall in 2024, are still fighting wars and killing others.
The Royal British Legion and its successive charities keep alive the memory of wars for obvious and very good reasons. They hope that by so doing, those who have suffered in wars and served in wars will be remembered and supported. Also, to show people how important it is that instead of keeping on at war, we keep the peace. By remembering the harshness and cruelty of war we can encourage others not to take part in wars if it is at all possible but to promote peace through their words and actions.
Ice Breaker
What are your memories of times of remembrance?
Perhaps you belonged to one of the uniformed organisations who parade to war memorials every year with bands and flags to remember and to give thanks.
Have you or your family or friends ever been directly impacted by wars? Do you want to share anything about it?
What does the Bible say about wars?
There is much about war and fighting in the Old Testament as the peoples seemed always to be settling their differences through war – Might is right wins?
Moses had been told to take the children of Israel to the Promised Land but they were not simply given it – they had to take it my force until finally:-
Joshua 11: 23 Then the land had rest from war
Isaiah tells us how people did not want war, and that when the time of God comes “Then shall they train for war no more” Isaiah 2: 4
But again, this does not last, and there are many more times when wars took place. Even today, the land of Israel is not at peace.
Psalm 46 expressed the longings of the writer for God’s rule and for peace to come…
God is our refuge and strength, our present help in time of trouble
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth
Be Still and Know that I am God
The God of Jacob is our fortress.
Discussion:
Q. If God has commanded us not to ‘kill’, are there any circumstances in which wars can therefore be justified?
Q. Are we able to control when wars happen, or do people simply get caught up in it? Think of countries in the world which are at war today.
Q. “Greater love hath no man than this ‘’that he lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus laid down his life for everyone, he, like so many soldiers, was willing to die for the good of others.
Q. What is the path to tread for those who follow Jesus?
Bible Reading
Matthew 19: 16 – 30
The Young man has kept the commandments as well as he can in his own eyes, but still there is something lacking.
He has been aware of the laws of God throughout his life and has tried to keep them, including “Thou shalt not kill” but now Jesus tells him that even so, something else is blocking his relationship with God. He has made his wealth and his possessions more valuable than his relationship with God.
Questions:-
Q. Does the power sought in war (or in money, success, etc.) give us meaning?
Q. The passage strongly suggests that we can only find meaning in God through Jesus. Have you found this meaning?
Q. How can we learn and take in the fact that what is impossible for us, is possible for God?
Q. It always comes as a shock to us, I think, when we realise, we are powerless over our own desires and those of the world - when we see that we cannot control war and human misery in our own strength, it all looks desperate, and we can lose hope......
Q. How can we regain that hope in today’s world?
'Victory' and freedom with lasting and true meaning are only God's to give. Jesus (like the soldiers we remember) gave his life for others; for the weakness, greed and imperfections of others........
At the last supper Jesus said “Do this in remembrance of me” The church down the centuries has followed this command and that is why we remember him today and try to follow his example.
Q. Does remembering Jesus help us to remember those who have sacrificed for us and teach us to play our part in bringing an end to conflict?
Prayer and reflection time.
Take time to remember those we have loved and lost, especially those who died in wars or conflicts. (You might like to light candles for them)
Take time to give thanks that Jesus also died for us and to bring peace (Maybe the crosses we put beside graves are a reminder that the people are in God’s hands) Do you have a cross symbol while you pray?
In union with so many others who are remembering today or over this week, you may like to say these brief poems together and hold a time of silence to remember (If you have some poppies you might like to place them by the candles and the cross.)
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, or the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them. We will remember them.
When you go home, tell them of us and say.
For their tomorrow we gave our today.
Amen.