"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Thursday, December 14, 2023 - Day 348 - (Today’s Bible readings: Zechariah 3; Psalm 135; Revelation 11:1-19)
REMEMBER ME, LORD
“Remember me, O my God, for good.” (Nehemiah 13:31 ESV)
When the Israelites returned from their Babylonian Captivity, there was much work to be done in restoring Jerusalem. The Lord has chosen Nehemiah to rebuild the wall. The task is done. The city is be repopulated. The wall is dedicated. Nehemiah now speaks his last words recorded in Scripture. “Remember me, O my God.”
He did not ask for a statue or even a plaque to be erected in his honor. He simply asked the Lord to remember him.
This reminds me of what Jesus said about our service: “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” (Luke 17:10 ESV)
Since Jesus died in our place and paid for our sins, we are free to pray that He will remember us too!
The hymn writer offers a prayer asking our Lord Jesus to remember us as he uses the phrase, Lord Jesus, think on me.
1. Lord Jesus, think on me
And purge away my sin;
From worldly passions set me free
And make me pure within.
2. Lord Jesus, think on me,
By anxious thoughts oppressed;
Let me Your loving servant be
And taste Your promised rest.
3. Lord Jesus, think on me
Amid the battle's strife;
In all my pain and misery
O be my health and life.
4. Lord Jesus, think on me
Nor let me go astray;
Through darkness and perplexity
Point out Your chosen way.
5. Lord Jesus, think on me
That, when this life is past,
I may th'eternal brightness see
And share Your joy at last.
("Lord Jesus, Think On Me,” LSB #910)
Almighty God, thank You for the privilege of serving You with the life, abilities and opportunities You have blessed me with. May I faithfully do my duty for You today. And please remember me (think on me), O my God, and take me to heaven in Your perfect time, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
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