"...the Lord Jesus on the night when 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 also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it in remembrance of me.'" 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
The Village Church has not shared in communion together since February 9th. We were about to share communion in March and then COVID happened. This Sunday we will again gather around the Lord's Table and share in the Lord's Supper. I wanted to share a though about communion in general and some words about this week's observance.
Though sometimes viewed as a very ritualistic observance, the act of communion is an ordinance of the church, commanded by Christ for his followers, just like baptism. In the verses above you will note the lack of, "If you feel like it or want to." The Lord says, "Do this...", that's a command. We baptize people because the Lord commands us to, and we observe communion because the Lord commands us to. As I said last Sunday, communion is one of the visual means that we affirm our belonging to Christ. It is an act of worship. In observing the Lord's Supper we, as 1 Corinthians 11:26 says, "proclaim the Lord's death until he comes," and in his death we find the forgiveness of sin! I'm convinced that the only thing greater worth celebrating than the forgiveness of my sin, is the eternal hope that the resurrection of Christ brings! This is a solemn act of worship, and we should approach it as such.
So this Sunday we will observe communion. However, in this post COVID-lockdown season, when there are reports of cases rising in some places, some of you may be extremely hesitant about sharing in communion. The thought of passing cups and bread that everyone touches and passes around may cause you to second guess participating in this worship service. For health and conscience sake, we have purchased prepackaged communion supplies. The bread and the cup are packaged together so that no one has to touch what you will use. We will have the elements spread out on tables upfront and when the time for taking communion comes, those who partake can come forward and receive the elements and we will worship the Lord Jesus and his sacrifice for our sin. I cannot wait to come to the Lord's Table with you all. I'll see you Sunday.
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)