Communion
By Peggy Park
“For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are representing and signifying and proclaiming the fact of the Lord’s death until He comes (again).”
I Corinthians 11:26 (amp)
I endeavor to come to the communion table with complete focus on the Lord’s sacrifice in order to be sure I never take this remembrance in a causal way or without the respect it should be given. I Corinthians 11:27 says, “Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.”
I like the fact that communion is offered every week in the church I attend; however, this can lead one to take it without the thought we are cautioned to use. It is important to avoid the frequent taking of communion becoming a rote event. When I enter into this time, I am constantly looking for new depths and meanings that I have not seen before.
One day recently when pondering communion, I felt impressed with three statements that helped me better understand what we are doing. They are:
1. Remember covenant
2. Celebrate covenant
3. Draw on covenant
Many words have been written regarding the covenant we have with God when we accept the blood sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus, as He shed His blood on the cross. Covenant is defined in the dictionary as a “formal, solemn, and binding agreement.” It may be written or verbal. We are blessed to be heirs to the covenant of salvation with all of the many wonderful provisions available to us as born again children of God.
When we pause and with great reverence remember His sacrifice, then we do have great cause to celebrate as we take communion. We then, by faith, may draw on what the blood sacrifice made possible for each of us. The beautiful passage in Isaiah 53:4-5 is a great reminder of what Jesus’ sacrifice made available to us who have received Him.
Let us always be alert to the deep meaning of communion as we in some mysterious way commune with our Savior.
Pray with me: Lord, help us to always take communion with thought, deep gratitude, and reverence so that we never fail to give due appreciation to You and Your blood sacrifice which made our salvation possible. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.