Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- July 8, 2013
The Lord Jesus, on the night 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, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Christ calls His children into holy communion by remembering His sacrificial death on the cross. The night He was betrayed, He explained the significance of what was about to happen. His body would be broken, so broken humanity could be healed by His sinless sacrifice. His blood would be poured out as a pure offering, sin’s final payment for all who breathe God’s free air. Yes, holy communion is a holy encounter with Christ. Sincere saints take seriously this grand gift of grace.
We are privileged as followers of Jesus to experience Jesus in the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper. We do not enter into this holy moment as a passive ritual, rather we are intentional to engage in intimacy with the Almighty. In prayer we see the mingled blood of our Lord flow from His side, thus, by faith in Him we enjoy His forgiveness. We remember His remarkable pain, His legs disjointed by Roman soldiers, so our pain and suffering could be laid on His bruised body.
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5, NKJV
Oh what gratitude and joy flood our hearts when recount the wonderful cross of Christ! What seemed like just another crucifixion among thousands, turned into God’s megaphone to mankind announcing His love. So, in solemn thanksgiving we taste that the Lord is good when we partake of the bread of brokenness. We humbly drink the new covenant cup of grace and remember that the death of our Lord Jesus gives life. The cross proclaims the pardon of sin for all who believe.
Lastly, are you prayerful in your preparation and participation with the Holy Eucharist? Do you search your heart to see what sin may be active in your actions or passive in your motivations? The Holy Spirit reveals what’s right with Jesus and what’s wrong with us when we remember His righteous act of redemption. Never get over what God has done for you in allowing the sacrificial death of His son. Remember Him and remember how far He has brought you by grace.
Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. 1 Peter 2:24, NKJV
Prayer: Heavenly Father, remind me of Your great love when I take Holy communion with You.
Related Readings: Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Hebrews 10:29
Post/Tweet today: Never get over what God has done for you, remember how far He has brought you by grace. #Lord’ssupper
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