Prepare Your Heart

COMMUNION NEXT WEEK – PREPARE YOUR HEART!

 The Apostle Paul – as he addresses the missteps of the Corinthian Congregation – shares communion’s clearest meaning for us today. Paul begins by reminding us in his letter to the Corinthians, (I Corinthians 11:23), that this is a message from the Lord. It is largely a recounting of the “Last Supper” that we find in the Gospels. Paul goes on to share Jesus’ words about the Bread, (which is symbolic and representative of Christ’s broken body for us), and Christ’s words about the Cup, (which is symbolic and representative of Christ’s shed blood for us). Both verses remind us to “do this in remembrance of me” as we not only remember Christ’s Sacrifice – but as we also openly proclaim to the world, and to one another, that we are serving Christ!

 Yet, Paul, (under the direction of the Holy Spirit), also includes something the Gospel accounts do not mention. Paul reminds us that we must not partake “unworthily” and that we must “examine” ourselves before we partake. He even goes on to write in I Corinthians 11:30, “That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died,” (ESV). Surely, any of us are only worthy because of our faith in Jesus Christ, but it is a sobering reminder of the seriousness of the moment.

 Perhaps my favorite part of Paul’s description comes at the end of the chapter as he reminds us “when you come together to eat, wait for one another,” (I Corinthains 11:33 ESV). Not only is communion an act of “remembrance” – but I believe it is also an act of “fellowship!” Therefore, as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior next week, and as we share in communion together – I want to remind everyone of the old Church of God hymn, “The Church’s Jubilee.” Charles Naylor writes in the 3rd verse, (1923), “We reach our hands in fellowship to every blood-washed one!” The Church of God has no formal membership and therefore we practice what is called “open communion.” If you are a Christian – we would love to share in communion with you! I hope to see you next week!

        Pastor Chris