Daily Devotions

Remembrance is a bittersweet act, especially on this day as we recall the horror of war and loss. Remembrance is also an act of empathy. It asks us to think outside ourselves, even for a moment. It asks us to see ourselves, our human condition, for what it is. And yet, it is also an act of hope. For every traditional act of remembrance, for every act of Communion and for every two-minute silence on Armistice Day, we recall the promises and previous actions of a loving God and our bright hope for tomorrow.  

Is it comfortable to remember persecution, rebellion and pain? Possibly not. But it does remind us that, in spite of our fears and our failures, God always keeps his word.

Just for a minute consider the act of not remembering. What would happen if you didn’t set aside times and dates to take part in deliberate acts of remembrance? Perhaps many are already in this position. I’m thinking of those outside the Christian faith who often don’t attach any deeper significance to holidays such as Christmas and Easter, beyond enjoying a break from work.  

St Paul has an idea of how society will fare without remembrance. In Romans 1:28-29 he notes what happens when people fail to remember exactly who God is and what he has done: “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness” (ESV).  

In short, failure to remember God, leads to the breakdown of the very fabric of society. But as much as we look to rituals to deliberately remember God, we as Christians can just as easily fail to acknowledge him in these moments. Failing to remember is a deliberate act with powerful consequences.  

O God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose memory we cherish, and those whose names we will never know. Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world, and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm. As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future; for you are the source of life and hope, now and for ever.