When we read of the last supper in the gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) we see it is around a table of fellowship with Jesus at the center. It was a meal in anticipation of his death. But also looking forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb, in which Jesus will eat and drink again with them, and with all of us, in his Father's kingdom.
The question of the real presence of Jesus at the Lord's Table (communion or the Eucharist) is an issue in which Christians are divided. But one thing for sure which we can agree on: Jesus is at the center. He is our Redeemer, Savior and Lord. We bow to him in worship, and give him thanks for his great and awesome sacrifice for us, for the world. We are in awe of this and of him. And that we can actually participate together in the receiving and partaking of this great salvation found in Jesus.
The Lord's Table or communion is more than a ritual; it is reality. What Jesus has done for us in dying for our sins, that we might, through his broken body and shed blood, have new and eternal life. What a wonderful salvation! What a wonderful Savior!
I know that just from my daily experience. God is good to us even in this fallen and broken down world of which we are a part. We begin now, by faith in Jesus to taste of this great salvation, to taste and see that the Lord is good. And we live with the anticipation of the completion of what we're experiencing now, in Jesus. Drawn up even now into that communion of the Father, Son and Spirit.
So let's not live on our feelings or be held back by our failures and weaknesses or the problems we'll ever face in this life. Let's realize in the midst of it all, Jesus is here. And this great salvation in him is for us beginning now, to impact every part of our lives, as we come just as we are to God through Jesus.
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10 comments:
Amen and amen! It is a reality!
FORGETTING what is behind, I press on....
A most blessed and joyfilled Easter season to you Ted!
No special thoughts - just stopping by to wish you a happy Easter. May God increase your heart for Him.
Sunday's a-coming!
Thanks so much, Susan! Amen! And the same to you and yours.
ESI,
Thanks, brother. Blessings on you, as well, and a blessed Easter, too.
Yes, Craver! Amen, brother.
I like that picture... Jesus in the center. Now, to remember to glance His way.
Communion has been lost as a regular church practise. Now we see where we can fit the Lords table into a service, once a month if we are lucky.
The house group I lead has communion of a regular basis. Through this act we connect with GOD and each other.
L.L.,
Thanks and so true. We can be so distracted. But to do that, to really glance his way and learn to keep glancing and looking more and more, really does change us over time.
Mike,
Yes, I think it is good to have it as a weekly practice. In the Mennonite church I grew up in we had it only once a quarter along with foot washing. Now where I attend we have it once a month, much better (ever week after the service during Lent, for those who want to participate).
But what you say is true. And I would appreciate and benefit from being around your housegroup for awhile, to witness your faith and practice on that.
Thanks.
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