In Remembrance of Me

I Cor. 11:2-4

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 covenant is the new cup 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 this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

Why did Jesus give thanks before He instituted the bread and the cup? Was it for an example for us, or was He giving thanks to the Father for the plan of reconciliation? Certainly, when I take the bread and the cup, I must always give thanks. Where would I be without this sacrifice? His body and blood are my body and blood. His body and blood are my entrance to the kingdom of God without which I would have no standing at all.

Paul established the precedent for communion. First, we do it to remember the gospel, His death, burial, and resurrection. We do it to keep Him constantly in the forefront of our thinking. Also we do it to proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. It is not a one time act, but must be done repeatedly, over and over until Jesus comes. That is how important His death was! It must never be far from my heart and mind.

Also there are serious consequences with communion. If it is taken unworthily, that person is guilty of the body and blood of Jesus. Each person needs to look closely at his or her heart condition. Sharing in the body and blood of Jesus demands discernment of thought, word, and deed. If we are careless, a sure discipline follows for the sake of our souls. Without it, condemnation is a surety.

So then, in conclusion, when we gather together, I need to be discerning. I need to do my eating and drinking at home so that the bread and the cup are sacred and meaningful and so that judgment is not a ready consequence. I need to examine my heart and my relationships with others. If there is a problem, I need to make it right immediately. Sharing in the Lord's death is serious. It cost Jesus His life, what does it cost me? What is my response? I am so thankful and grateful and I have a constant desire to value His act with my purity of thought, word, and deed. I do not want my careless living to desecrate His great gift to me.

Father,
Thank You for this great act of reconciliation. Thank You, Jesus for Your body and blood that saved my soul and removed the great gulf between me and God. Convict me mightily when I am careless in my attitudes and my holiness.
In Jesus name,
Amen