BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER
Pastor Mark Hopper
One of my most embarrassing moments occurred about a year ago. I was asked to do the invocation at the City Council meeting in Diamond Bar. But, I forgot.
I am thankful that our City Council asks different religious leaders in the community to give an invocation before each meeting. I usually do this two or three times a year. But one day last year, I got busy and completely forgot it was my day to be at the council meeting. The City Clerk had sent me a reminder, and I even had it written on my own calendar.
My name was printed on the agenda. I’m sure it was an awkward moment of silence when they called my name and I wasn’t there. People probably wondered what happened to that absent-minded pastor.
Since that time, I have taken steps to make sure I don’t forget again. I have asked the City Clerk to call and remind me on the day of the meeting. I also ask our church secretary to do the same. I even post sticky notes on my desk and in my car. So far, so good; I’m thankful they were willing to forgive me and give me another chance.
There are many passages in the Bible that exhort us not to forget. Many of the holidays and festivals in the Bible are designed to help people not forget. The Jewish Passover is celebrated every year so that parents and children will not forget the night when the Angel of Death swept over the land of Egypt. The first born in every home died, but the first born in the homes that had the blood of the Passover Lamb on the door posts were saved. In a similar way, Christians celebrate Easter Sunday every year so they will never forget Jesus’ death on the cross, and His resurrection three days later.
As we enjoy this spring season, I hope you are reminded of the importance of holidays like Passover and the Easter we just celebrated. It’s not about Easter Egg Hunts and family dinners. It’s not about spring break and time off from school. This beautiful season is about events and miracles recorded in the Bible. We celebrate so that we will never forget what God has done for us. I hope you won’t forget!
Pastor Mark Hopper
Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar
3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd
(909) 594-7604
Sunday Services: 9 and 10:45 a.m.
