Since digital cameras were invented, people easily capture memories. Cameras make it possible to memorialize people, places, and events. Photographed images become stored on our brains, so we can recall them later to relive and appreciate what happened in the past. Images captured on cameras have exonerated claims of innocence as well as claims of guilt. Yet certain images serve other very important purposes. God told Moses to preserve a container of manna to remind his people of how God sustained them for 40 years while they wandered in the wilderness. We read in Exodus 16, “This is what the Lord has commanded: Fill a two-quart container with manna to preserve it for your descendants. Then later generations will be able to see the food I gave you in the wilderness when I set you free from Egypt.” Just as ancient Israel needed this memory starter of manna so followers of Jesus Christ remember Him through Holy Communion. The bread recalls how Jesus’ body was broken by the nails and spear. The cup reminds us of His blood that was shed, and of the New Covenant God has made. God now accepts and forgives all who come to Him by faith in Jesus the Christ.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
