COMMUNION MEDITATION
This past week, I spent two days on the road and ate more meals than I cared to eat from the seat of my car. While those meals might be necessary at times for an individual, the meal that we are gathered around now knows nothing of individualism and isolation.
This is a family meal; it is a communion because God made us members of new community he is creating in the resurrection of Christ Jesus. When we come to this meal it’s important to remember that Jesus, not the pastor, is the host. He prepared this meal in his crucifixion and death and, while a pastor might walk us through the courses of the meal, our attention is to be directed at those seated around the table with us. In this meal, the real action isn’t down-front, it’s all-around.
This is not a concert; this is not a lecture—it is a communion, a household, a family, a body. You and I are the hands and feet and eyes and ears of one another. So, as we come to the table, we are acting out our love, care, discipline, and prayers for one another.
Look around and pray for those who can’t be with us due to illness. Forgive those who have sinned against you. Thank God for the encouragers who have spurred you on to Godliness. And as you do all this, praise the Father that you are not alone. You are not isolated. You belong here by immeasurable grace.
So come, and welcome, to Jesus Christ.
23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 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.”
25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)