“Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28, ESV)
This weekend my daughter will receive the Lord’s Supper for the first time. It is a big deal. We have family coming from out-of-state. She got a special dress for the occasion. After Sunday worship, we will have a big fancy meal. There is only one first communion. She will receive the Lord’s Supper many more times in her life, but I imagine this will be one of the most memorable for her.
At our church, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. It is an easy thing for it to become routine. We start to go through the motions. We come forward and return to our seat with little thought to what we are doing. We have done this hundred of times before. The extraordinary almost seems to become ordinary.
We may do this with other things like the Lord’s Prayer. We know it like the back of our hand. When we recite it we often fail to adequately reflect on the words we are speaking. We almost miss the whole point of doing it.
This weekend, when you are in worship I want you to pause for a moment. Reflect upon what you are doing. As Paul says, we should examine ourselves to receive the Lord’s Supper in a worthy matter. That little pause may nudge the door of your heart that much further.
To receive it in a worthy matter has nothing to do with the fact we are sinners. This meal is given for sinners. We come because we are sinners. The things we examine is our repentance and faith. Are we sorry for our sins? And do we have faith that the forgiveness of Jesus is true.
But even if we are going through the motions, don’t fret. The effectiveness of the Word and Sacraments is with God. He will change us in spite of us.
Reflection
- Take hold of the bread when you receive the Lord’s Supper. As you hold it, ponder what you are about to receive.
- What does it mean for you to receive the body and blood of Jesus?
Prayer
Thank you Lord for the gift of the Sacrament. Thank you for the body and blood of Jesus given for me. Thank you for the opportunity to receive this meal often in your remembrance. Guide me by your Holy Spirit to receive this meal with great reverence that it will edify me and build my faith for your glory. Amen.
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