The Lord's Supper




Growing up communion didn't hold much value to me. I knew that is was something important that we did at church, but the reasons and value were lost on me. What did it mean that the cracker represented Christ's body broken for me and that the juice represented Christ's blood poured out for me? All this ritual seemed to do was remind me of the cruel and brutal death of Jesus. Jesus did say "do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19 NASB) though, so was this the only point? But it is also said "for as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26 NASB). What did it mean to proclaim the Lords death? These were questions I didn't know I had. I just went along and partook.

Now I have a greater understanding of what is mean't by each of these verses and the significance of taking communion. I heard a sermon in which the pastor spoke about the healing power of communion. Ever since that day my mindset towards communion has change, and it continues to evolve with my growth and understanding in Christ.

Here are some of the things I think about when I partake in the Lord's Supper:
  • When Christ says "do this in remembrance of me" the original translation is much closer to "do this so you won't forget me." Every time I take communion I am still reminded of the bloody, cruel and awful death that Christ died for me. It reminds me that I have been chosen, and claimed, and that I can live into the healing that He payed for on that cross. It's a graphic reminder, but Jesus knew it's something we would need to have as a ebenezer of who He is. 
  • The phrase "you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" translates to me as speaking the restoration which is to come into the current moment. I mean, think about it! Christ died so that we can have a restored relationship with God. Everything that God is working in the creation is moving us towards the place of complete restoration which is heaven. When Jesus comes will be the final signal for total restoration to take place. So when we proclaim his death, we proclaim his victory and the truth of the restoration!! Hallelujah! 
  • I now associate "communion" with "community." We commune with God the Father, God the Spirit and God the Son in the act of taking the Lord's Supper. I most often partake of communion with other believers, for the Christ said “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:19-20 NASB). If what we are asking the Lord for (restoration) will be given to us when we are in community, why not live and partake in communion as a community of believers? 

Last night I had the privilege of being prayer over by some of my brothers and sisters after fellowship group. The prayer session itself was awesome and full of the Lord! But one of my favorite parts was that we partook in communion afterwords. It was a humbling and joyous occasion. We prayed, ate and drank and fellowshipped with one another. My heart was warmed in the moment and still is when I recall the memory. 
Thank you Lord for a community who loves and looks to you! Amen

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