Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. (2 Tim 2:8-9, NIV)
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. (Rom 1:1-4, NKJ)
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. (1 Tim 1:12 NIV)
“Remember Jesus Christ,” a real human being who lived long ago, born into an ancient royal family with a documented genealogy, long after the dynasty had lost political power and wealth. “Remember Jesus Christ,” who truly lived as a human being, and truly died, and truly rose from the dead, demonstrating God’s power and his own divine nature. “Remember Jesus Christ,” the One who completed God’s eternal plan so that we might have life. “Remember Jesus Christ,” someone Paul knew and talked to and trusted enough to serve him at any cost, even though Paul didn’t meet him until after Jesus died — and rose again. “Remember Jesus Christ,” and remember, like Paul, to thank him for what he has done for you. The historical man Jesus clearly admired remembering to give thanks and show gratitude. He gave verbal applause to a Samaritan who bothered to come and say thank you for his healing from leprosy (see Luke 17:12-19). Like the Samaritan, throw yourself at Jesus feet and thank him, praising God (see also Revelation 5:11-14). “Remember Jesus Christ.”
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”
–Cicero
