Do This, Remembering Me
Some parts of our Christian Faith are so simple and easy to understand. God’s power and wisdom in creation, for instance. Our human sinfulness and need of a Savior is pretty evident in our own lives, and is reinforced every day in the news. The love of God, especially in sending Jesus Christ, is harder to accept than it is to understand.
But when Jesus gathered around the table with the disciples for their last supper together, I realize my mind is not big enough to comprehend. 1 Corinthians 11 tells us “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Could it actually be His body and blood? He was still “wearing” it at the time. My rational mind says Jesus was using the bread and the cup as a symbol pointing to the meaning of His death on the cross. But here is the mystery: when I approach communion in faith and reverence God touches me! It is different than popping a peppermint life saver in my mouth and thinking holy thoughts. I can’t explain it. I experience it.
God uses many ways to communicate with us. The Bible, music, a preacher, a book, even a rainbow. And a sacrament. Jesus Christ says “Do this, remembering me.”
At our church, our Palm Sunday worship will include Communion on April 5. And on Thursday, April 9, we will have a Maundy Thursday service to remember the Last Supper. Come with faith, with expectation, and with reverence; open your heart and your mind for the Lord to touch you.
He did it just for you
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