And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." Mat 26:27-29 ESV
When we observe the Lord's Supper we often do it in a form of remembrance. That is most certainly good to do, for the elements call us to remember the work of Christ in atoning for our sin on the cross. However, the Communion table points us forward as well. It expresses the hope we have of the coming resurrection. Christ said that he would not drink it anew with us until that time when we enter the Father's kingdom. This is statement is an affirmation of our physical relationship with Christ at the resurrection. Disembodied souls do not eat and drink. Only physical bodies do. Christ, by this meal, encourages us to remember the full salvation that we have in Him. We eat and drink with the hope of his coming and a renewed nature.
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A question was asked about the second commandment and the making of pictures of Jesus. To which I responded, The Lord reveals himself through his word and sacrament. Those are his appointed means. We should be wary of going beyond them to "help" kids. We may even belittle the simplicity of his means when we demand pictures. You will often find too, that wherever pictures have increased in the history of the church, piety has decreased. "If they cannot partake worthily without being able duly to discern the sanctity of the Lord's body, why should we stretch out poison to our young children instead of vivifying food?"1 Are you tired of your sins? Then look to Jesus.
Are you ridden with guilt? Then look to Jesus. Are you wallowing in shame? Then look to Jesus. Is the offense of your sin too overwhelming to you? Then look to Jesus. Are you longing to be freed from sin? Then look to Jesus. Have you succumbed again to that same old sin? Then look to Jesus. Are you too weak to overcome the cravings of your heart? Then look to Jesus. Is temptation too strong for you? Then look to Jesus. Are you nauseated by how feeble your attempts at resisting the devil are? Then look to Jesus. Are you grieved at how little the Lord means to you? Then look to Jesus. Are you sick or ailing? Then look to Jesus. Are you languishing under the discipline of God? Then look to Jesus. Do you long for heaven? Then look to Jesus. Do you want communion with God? Then look to Jesus. Do you yearn for what is right and good and pleasing in his sight? Then look to Jesus, and know that all that you seek, and all that you need, are here for you. Here in this meal Christ spreads a feast, where he himself is the main course. At this table Jesus offers himself to you, freely and without charge. And he beckons to you, saying, “Come satisfy the desires of your heart.” |
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