Remembrance...

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” ~ 1 Corinthians 11:26, NKJV

The Corinthian believers had made a practice of sharing communion in an unworthy manner. Factions, lovelessness, and even drunkenness had become the rule when they gathered together. Paul takes them back to what this memorial really means by reminding them, “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’” (vs. 23-25) For generations, Passover was the Jewish memorial of their deliverance from Egypt as well as their anticipation of the Messiah (the perfect Passover lamb) who would deliver them from their sins. When Jesus celebrated that last Passover with His disciples, He was showing them how He fulfilled thousands of years of anticipation. Through His broken body and shed blood, He paid the price required to reconcile us to His Father. Communion commemorates His unlimited and unconditional love and is one of the ways believers proclaim His death to the world. It's our Passover, our reminder to the world - a way to declare, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life,” (John 3:16) until He returns. Communion is not something to be taken lightly. It is a precious memorial, a practice that draws believers together in celebration and gratitude as we remember the love shown us on the cross. I treasure it. The bread itself is nothing; the wine or the grape juice itself is nothing. But Jesus is everything. Truly believers are more than conquerors through Him who loves us! (Romans 8:37)

by Rebecca..