A Proclamation

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Scripture:
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
11:23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread,

11:24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

11:25 In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Observation:

The Apostle Paul is concerned with behaviors in the church at Corinth. He reminds them about the way in which they remember that fateful night when Jesus had fellowship with the disciples, breaking the bread and drinking the wine. The people of Corinth were not faithfully participating in this Lord’s supper and while Paul quotes Jesus, that this is to be a memorial — a remembrance of Christ’s activity, he ends with his own personal comment. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” The key word here for Paul is “proclaim.” He doesn’t say that you “remember.” The actions of the church at Corinth were testimony to their faith in Jesus Christ. The way in which they were partaking in the Lord’s supper was their proclamation about Christ and it was incongruent with the life of the Messiah.

Application:

By partaking of the Lord’s supper we are to be mindful of all our Savior has done for us and we are challenged to follow him more closely. This means that there is to be a consistency in our behaviors and that of Christ. Our participation in Christ becomes witness to the victory over sin and death which occurred on the cross. If there are inconsistencies in our daily lives, then we become unfaithful witnesses to Christ’s death.

The Lenten journey has brought us to that fateful evening when Christ gathers together with his disciples. Most would go on to become faithful witnesses to his death — one would not. Many of us will worship together on Maundy Thursday and partake of communion as we remember what Christ has done for us. May God challenge us to consider whether our lives are faithfully proclaiming the death of our Lord. If we are unfaithful witnesses may we be willing to bring our lives and our actions under full submission to the one who gave everything for us. 

Prayer:

Lord, search my heart and life and reveal the areas where you need to shine your light so that you may be reflected in all things.  Amen.

If you would like to read more "Reflecting the Image"  click on the image to take you to the NPH bookstore.The book is also available in Kindle format on Amazon.com.



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