The JOURNEY CONTINUES: Baptisms and Communion, pt. 2
My journey last week examined the ordinance of baptism; this week we will concentrate on “The Lord’s Supper” also called “Communion” with examples of ‘brokenness.’” The text: Luke 22:19-20 (NIV)— “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’”
From the commentary of my NIV Life Application Bible: “Luke 22:17-20. Christians differ in their interpretation of the meaning of the commemoration of the Lord’s Supper. There are three main views: (1) the bread and wine actually become Christ’s body and blood; (2) the bread and wine remain unchanged, yet Christ is spiritually present by faith in and through them; (3) the bread and wine which remain unchanged are lasting memorials of Christ’s sacrifice. No matter which view they favor, all Christians agree that the Lord’s Supper commemorates Christ’s death on the cross for our sins and points to the coming of his kingdom in glory.
When we partake of it, we show our deep gratitude for Christ’s work on our behalf and our faith is strengthened.” “God uses broken things,” says an unknown writer, who continued: “He broke down the walls of Jericho with the sound of trumpet and marching feet to give over the land of milk and honey to his people as he promised Abraham. A unknown woman broke open an alabaster jar of very costly ointment and poured it on Jesus’ head — the scent of the oil filled the room. God sent his only Son, Jesus, to set all captives to sin free. God broke open the tomb so that the Light of the World would be revealed to all mankind.”
Recently I mailed the following letter to a young woman incarcerated in the Hays County Detention Center — she had been chosen as a trustee in food service; and then tested positive for Covid-19 — and now she is awaiting trial:
“Dear friend who is far away, I know that only when we yield our will and stubbornness and break down our Pride can the Holy Spirit bring us to the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, our Savior. This gives us a Peace that passes understanding. Let your prison be only the physical place you live in and not your mind, your emotions, your attitude, your relationships, your beliefs. Hold on to your faith and recall that Paul, who spent most of his Christian years in jails and prisons said: ‘We are certain that nothing shall separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Yes, Jesus was broken, but He changed his death to victory. Friend, my prayer is that you are living in His Light and availing yourself of His power — whenever it is offered, take the Communion as a reminder of what Jesus has done for you.”
