This week, as we continue in our Devoted vision series, we are looking at Communion. If we are to build the church according to God’s vision, we must be devoted to remembering what the death of Jesus means through taking bread and wine together.
Summary: Communion looks back to the death of Christ for us, however, it also looks forward to the great hope that Jesus’ death has won for us.
Oftentimes our vision of the future is fearful or distorted. We can hope for a job, a spouse, a family, a place to live, a lifestyle… As one gets older, it’s common to worry or dream about retirement or to be fearful of ageing, sickness and death. God wants to fill our vision of the future with the Hope that Jesus gives to us. Communion realigns our vision of true hope in Christ.
‘For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.’ ( 1 Corinthians 11:26)
i. PROCLAMATION
Communion is a ‘proclamation’ to us and all present of Jesus’ death for us. It’s an opportunity to reaffirm our faith. It’s also an opportunity to put ones faith in Jesus for the first time.
ii. LOOKING FORWARD TO FEASTING WITH GOD
Whilst we eat this meal in God’s presence now, we look forward to eating with Him in the fullness of His presence in the future.
‘Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:27-29)
In Eden, mankind ate and feasted with God in perfect fellowship. This was broken through sin. Jesus is restoring all things to their original perfection. We look forward to feasting with God in New Heavens and New Earth. This glorious hope is spoken of in the prophetic language of Revelation:
“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Revelation 19:6-9)
If you have received Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you have been invited to the feast of heaven.
Here is a really good song on the subject of Communion:
TOGETHER IN SEPTEMBER
During September 2022, at CCP, we are having 'Together' meetings instead of our usual Community Groups. You are very welcome to attend these gatherings.
Please come to the church building at 7:30 pm on Wednesday evenings - refreshments and a meal will be available.
Comentarios