Present With Us1 Corinthians 11:33-34
So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions.
Thoughts for Today:Five years previously, when Paul was with them, he had taught the Corinthians how to approach The Lord's Supper. If they had followed his instructions, they would not have turned it into a drunken feast featuring gluttony and selfishness. And there would be no need to either ignore its significance or feel condemned by it.
Even to this day, people remain confused about the meaning of communion. They think it's simply a ritual -- nothing more than a symbolic act. But it's so much more. In Luke 24, two of Jesus' disciples were walking home from Jerusalem following His crucifixion. As they walked, the Lord joined them and asked what they were talking about that made them so sad. Not recognizing Him and thinking He was a stranger, they spoke of Jesus' death on the cross and the open tomb. We pick up the story in Luke 24:25-31a: "He [Jesus] said to them, 'How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?' And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, 'Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.' So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him."
The last sentence is what happens to us when we share in communion -- He reveals Himself to us. When we participate in The Lord's Supper, it is not symbolism. He is present. We might have bread in our mouths, but we find Jesus is present in our hearts!
Questions to Ponder:The Lord's Supper is not about eating and drinking, and it's not just another symbolic act. The Bible teaches us that He is present with us. He is the honorary guest. Do you participate in communion knowing that Jesus is there with you? Physically present for anyone who seeks Him? How does that change your perspective?
So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions.
Thoughts for Today:Five years previously, when Paul was with them, he had taught the Corinthians how to approach The Lord's Supper. If they had followed his instructions, they would not have turned it into a drunken feast featuring gluttony and selfishness. And there would be no need to either ignore its significance or feel condemned by it.
Even to this day, people remain confused about the meaning of communion. They think it's simply a ritual -- nothing more than a symbolic act. But it's so much more. In Luke 24, two of Jesus' disciples were walking home from Jerusalem following His crucifixion. As they walked, the Lord joined them and asked what they were talking about that made them so sad. Not recognizing Him and thinking He was a stranger, they spoke of Jesus' death on the cross and the open tomb. We pick up the story in Luke 24:25-31a: "He [Jesus] said to them, 'How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?' And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, 'Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.' So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him."
The last sentence is what happens to us when we share in communion -- He reveals Himself to us. When we participate in The Lord's Supper, it is not symbolism. He is present. We might have bread in our mouths, but we find Jesus is present in our hearts!
Questions to Ponder:The Lord's Supper is not about eating and drinking, and it's not just another symbolic act. The Bible teaches us that He is present with us. He is the honorary guest. Do you participate in communion knowing that Jesus is there with you? Physically present for anyone who seeks Him? How does that change your perspective?
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