“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:23–26, ESV)
The Lord’s Supper is a special gift from God. It is a Sacrament. It is a means of grace. Through this meal we receive forgiveness.
Jesus says, “Do this.” Partake in it. Receive it. Don’t miss out on this precious invitation. This meal is not an obligation. It is a privilege to be invited to the table of our Lord.
And when he says to do it, he says to do it "often." Often is a bit vague. Does it mean every day? Does it mean every week? Does it mean every month? Regardless how we interpret the word "often," the point is there is an open invitation for whenever we are weary.
Jesus says, “This (bread) is my body.” He says, “This cup is . . . my blood.” We can’t explain how bread is body and wine is blood. It is not for us to explain, but to receive by faith. It may taste like bread, but we receive it in faith as his body. It may taste like wine, but we receive it in faith as his blood. It is not just a symbol of his body. It is not just a symbol of his blood. It is the real deal. It is the real presence of Jesus. Through this meal, God is with us.
Think of the Lord's Supper similar to a hug. Physical touch is something we need as humans. We need it often. God wired us that way. When we go for a period of time without touch, we will start to long for it.
In the Lord's Supper, God embraces us. But as time goes on, we start to long for that touch again. The longer we go without it, the more we need it.
Maybe you feel disconnected from God. Maybe you do not sense his presence. Maybe you are wondering where he is. If this is the place you find yourself, consider Jesus invitation to come to the table. Let Jesus once again remind you, through his touch, just how much he loves you.
Leave a Reply