Memory is a powerful thing. When we remember we reconnect. It has been said that if the word dismember means to separate from the body (as in dismembering your finger) then re-membering could be seen as a reconnecting to the body. I love this idea. At the time I write this I’m in Boston on Memorial Day. There is an American flag garden in Boston Common as our nation is remembering those who have served in the military and given their lives for our freedom. It is good and right that we should remember they and their families on this solemn day. In addition, I would suggest that we find time each day to reconnect to all God has done for us to purchase our eternal freedom in Christ Jesus. But when you’ve been walking through hurt and pain it can be difficult to find the strength or desire to reconnect and remember. Let me share a thought with you…
There is an amazing story in the Bible of a man named Malchus. His name only appears once and his story has blessed and inspired me on so many occasions when I have been in pain and struggled to remember the goodness of God. Malchus was in the famous Garden of Gethsemane on the night that Jesus was arrested. He wasn’t one of the disciples. He wasn’t even one of the Roman soldiers there to arrest Jesus. He was the servant to the High Priest (John 18). If you remember the scene, Jesus has been praying and is betrayed by one of His own followers. Then, as the Roman soldiers come to arrest Jesus, Peter draws a sword and starts swinging! (In all truth, it’s great to have a good friend that will fight for you, even if its the wrong idea… but I digress). The Bible says that some guy got his ear cut off in that melee. His name was Malchus.
The Hurt and the Healer
Malchus was a servant. He wasn’t a soldier and He wasn’t a follower of Jesus; He was just there doing what he had been told to do. In the midst of it all, one of Jesus’ disciples swings for his head with a sword and he ducks just in time! (I mean, surely Peter wasn’t aiming for his ear, right!) However, the blade grazes his head and his ear is dismembered from his body. What a scene?! Maybe you can relate? Sometimes in life you can get blindsided by things you never expected. How about a global pandemic that never checked our schedules or preferences on when/if to show up?! Perhaps you can also relate with Malchus in that you’ve been wounded by someone who follows Jesus and you were confused by what they did versus what they claimed to believe? Regardless, Malchus is hurt in the midst of the chaos. It’s hard to remember and reconnect to all the good God and others have done for us in the midst of our pain. But the story is not over quite yet… (Click here to read my post “God Broke My Heart”)
Remember, in the midst of all of this the most life-altering event in the history of the world (no exaggeration) is starting to be put in motion. Jesus has been betrayed by his own disciple, Judas, and is now in the custody of the Romans. This is the beginning of the crucifixion story. The ball rolls down hill from here to the cross via Pontius Pilate. And in the midst of the fighting and hurt and pain, Jesus sees Malchus. Having been falsely accused, secretly ambushed, and now dragged away by Roman soldiers, Jesus stops. He remembers that Malchus has been wounded by all of this. As He is being dragged away to be beaten and accused, Jesus touches Malchus and heals his ear. It is the last recorded miracle of Jesus before He goes to the cross. Jesus re-membered Malchus, even in the midst of the chaos, and I don’t think Malchus ever forgot. What about you? (Click here to read my post “Handing Out Hundred Dollar Bills”)
Remember to Reconnect
Jesus stoped in the midst of his own crisis and remembered Malchus. In doing so, I have every reason to believe Malchus reconnected to the truth of God’s love for him. We do the same when we stop and remember the goodness of God in our own lives and the goodness of the people who have blessed us along the way. When we remember, we reconnect. On this Memorial Day, remember those that have given their lives for your physical freedom. On this day, and every day that is to follow, remember that Jesus is never too busy, too burdened, or too important in His own mind to stop for you, see your pain, and reconnect you to His love and purpose for your life. Just look to Him and take your eyes off the ones who have wounded you whether they claimed to follow Jesus or not. He is the solution.
Having the best view in town isn’t about the scenery around you it’s about how you see what you are looking at and Who you see working in the midst of the circumstance. Keep your eyes on Jesus and His goodness and you will never feel isolated or alone as He will always help you reconnect as you re-member. Shalom. (Click here to read my post, “What You Focus On Draws You In”)
From The Bible:
When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. 51But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. – Luke 22:49-51 NIV
Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. 11But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?” – John 18:10-11 NLT
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”43And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:41-42 NLT