Communion

 

My girls and I are reading through the American Girl Rebecca series. Rebecca is a Russian Jewish immigrant who lives in New York City in 1914. Although I have had exposure to the beliefs and traditions of the Jewish people, because these practices are set in a story I see how impactful they are on Jewish daily life.  Busy preparations leading up to Sabbath, followed by a solemn reverence as they worship were integral parts of their week.

Last night my family attended a Christian fellowship where the weekly act of taking the Lord's Supper occurs. On the way home from the get-together Mark and I admitted that our initial reactions was, "Weekly?"  However, after I adjusted to the idea I decided that I would do well to have a re-focus on Christ and His sacrifice for me more often than a couple times a year.

Commemorating the Lord's Supper was a regular and cherished practice in the early church, by which believers remembered their Savior's death and celebrated their salvation and eternal life.  I always think of the Lord's Supper as a realignment - getting back in synch with the Lord as I recall His great love for me.

I Corinthians 11:27-34 tells us not to take the Lord's Supper lightly.  We bring dishonor to Christ - His life, suffering and death - if we treat Communion with indifference.  If we take time each week (whether by observing Communion or not) to realign ourselves, asking for forgiveness of sin and asking for the Holy Spirit to renew His work in us then we bring honor and glory to all He has done.

Hebrews 13:15 "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name."

I encourage you to take the time to realign yourself with the Lord this week, confessing sin and praising Him for His great work.