In Memoriam

Thursday, February 15, 2018
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Revelation 3:5 – The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. (ESV)

We have various inscriptions around inside our church and out the front on the lawn. They are there as a celebration and remembrance of various people who have given their lives in service, whether in membership, war, or leadership over the many preceding years.

I like to worship up at the front — where I like to think the action is — to be near the band and to be able to read the words on the screens. Today, as I contemplated God in worship, my eyes rested upon a small brass plaque celebrating the life of someone who, many years prior, had been in the choir for sixty-three years at our church. It was inscribed many years ago by those remaining here on earth who valued his fellowship.

Whilst I focused on the plaque, a thought bubbled up to gain my attention: These names of the Christian great and the good are also inscribed in heaven, not only here on earth, where they are passed over virtually unnoticed by the world of today. Those who originally celebrated them have themselves, by now, passed on.

I am sure that in heaven, they are not concerned about their social status, reputation, or memory any more, for they have eternity to know that they are with God. He has their names written in the book of life and on His heart — the cost of doing that is there for us to see on Jesus' side, hands, and feet.

If we are in the kingdom, then no matter who or where we are in the world, God remembers us and abides with us, because we are a part of His family. One day in heaven, His faithful people will be given "a white stone, with a new name written" (Revelation 2:17 ESV) and "his name will be on their foreheads" (Revelation 22:4 ESV).

So, during Lent, we, like them, humble ourselves and remember what God has done for us in His crucifixion. Meanwhile, we wait, as those who follow on behind those who have gone before. He is with us, and we are with Him day by day. The world changes but God stays the same, and His loving-kindness is with us as we wade through the quagmire of today. He is continually encouraging us to keep on keeping on changing the world in the power of Jesus, being a city on a hill, salt and light to our world. In heaven, we will inherit our new names on white stones, which will not need polishing or cleaning like brass plaques!

Prayer: Lord, we rejoice in Christ our Saviour, who enables us to be a part of what happens next here on earth and also in heaven. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Great devotional today Rod. May God keep inspiring you to write.


    What a lovely thought.
    Thank you.


    Hi Barb
    Thanks, this was amazing, and we humans think we are smart.


    Amen, Rod. Do you ever wonder what our new names will be? For now I feel blessed to be called “child of God”. Blessings.


    Dear Rod,
    Wonderful, just wonderful. And every word rings true. I always enjoy reading when you have written the “Daily”.


    Dear Rod,
    Very nice meditation and an excellent closing line.
    Thank you,
    (CA)


    Thank you for your devotional on Revelation today. We are now getting some messages on the Book of Revelation from a minister in California and it is great. Thank you for your encouragement and thoughts. In reading the first chapter again verses 3 and 8 really stood out for me.


    Thank you for this devotional. It reminded me of a devotional on PresbyCan several years ago. I often go back and read it.
    Blessings to you,
    (SC, USA)


    Dear Rod
    So encouraging ! Thank you so much for the love you have for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It ripples down on us in the most blessed way.
    God bless you my brother in Christ.


    Very uplifting! It reminds me of the “Honour Rolls” in the various schools and Churches I have attended. Strangely, my name even appears on some of them, although now that I am pushing 80, there are few who would Remember me. However, Yahweh has promised to remember all of us who have tried to serve Him and his kingdom. Much more comforting than a tarnished old sheet of brass with letters on it.
    Blessings to you, and those you love.
    (Ontario)


    Amen, Rod.


    Dear Roderick Marshall,
    Thank you for a precious devotional culminating in the prayer: “Lord, we rejoice in Christ our Saviour, who enables us to be a part of what happens next here on earth and also in heaven. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Powerful; calling for responsibility.
    Thank you for drawing us closer to our Lord.
    Keep writing.


    Amen to that. And I must get at my prayer time: upholding all I can in prayer to our Lord. It’s part of my work here. Thanks for the inspiration today!


    Thanks Rod. It goes to remind us how fleeting and futile the pursuit of fame and wealth are. My energies are taken up lately with preparing for the most important graduation of my life, and I am practising the many songs of praise I love so well. To God Be the Glory, Great things He has done. I sing it now and will continue to sing it in His heavenly kingdom.
    Thanks.

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