Communion with Christ
1 Peter 1:16
Recently, I was reflecting on our time of Communion that we observe on Sunday mornings. A few years ago, while having coffee with Cory Hughes and Carlton Weathers at a local coffee shop, the topic came up of the possibility of observing Communion every Sunday. At the time, we only observed the Lord’s Table monthly. I remember not feeling very good about this idea. Like many, I feared that moving to a weekly observance would cause it to lose its significance and become rote. After all, this is an ordinance that all of God’s people should take seriously.
What I have found since we instituted the weekly practice of Communion is the complete opposite of my fear. Instead of becoming rote, the Lord’s Table has become far more significant and precious to me. Here are a few reasons the Lord has turned concern into conviction and comfort.
As Christ’s sheep, we are called to be holy. First Peter 1:16 states, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” Each time we take the bread and the cup—pictures of Christ’s body and blood—we are reminded that His body was broken for us and His blood was poured out for us. It is this great outpouring of love that calls us to holiness. Therefore, each week as we come together and share Communion, it becomes a call to confess our sins and remember His love and forgiveness. In a real sense, it is the Christian’s altar call.
Communion reminds us that we are all in the process of becoming what God has declared us to be. It reminds us that we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. When I partake of the Lord’s Table, I am reminded that I have been saved by God’s grace. As I look around at all the saints gathered each Sunday, I am reminded that I am not alone in my walk with Christ. There are others who struggle with life’s burdens and are relying on His love and forgiveness.
Indeed, weekly Communion is far from rote—it is a precious gift the Lord has given to us. Each week, I am reminded to look back to Christ’s sacrifice and, at the same time, look forward to the day He has promised when He will share this meal with us in His Kingdom.
I close with this encouragement: prepare your heart to be blessed as we share this meal in Communion with our Lord. This profound practice, when embraced rightly, helps keep us clean and close to our Lord Jesus Christ.
What I have found since we instituted the weekly practice of Communion is the complete opposite of my fear. Instead of becoming rote, the Lord’s Table has become far more significant and precious to me. Here are a few reasons the Lord has turned concern into conviction and comfort.
As Christ’s sheep, we are called to be holy. First Peter 1:16 states, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” Each time we take the bread and the cup—pictures of Christ’s body and blood—we are reminded that His body was broken for us and His blood was poured out for us. It is this great outpouring of love that calls us to holiness. Therefore, each week as we come together and share Communion, it becomes a call to confess our sins and remember His love and forgiveness. In a real sense, it is the Christian’s altar call.
Communion reminds us that we are all in the process of becoming what God has declared us to be. It reminds us that we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. When I partake of the Lord’s Table, I am reminded that I have been saved by God’s grace. As I look around at all the saints gathered each Sunday, I am reminded that I am not alone in my walk with Christ. There are others who struggle with life’s burdens and are relying on His love and forgiveness.
Indeed, weekly Communion is far from rote—it is a precious gift the Lord has given to us. Each week, I am reminded to look back to Christ’s sacrifice and, at the same time, look forward to the day He has promised when He will share this meal with us in His Kingdom.
I close with this encouragement: prepare your heart to be blessed as we share this meal in Communion with our Lord. This profound practice, when embraced rightly, helps keep us clean and close to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Song: "We Receive" Sovereign Grace Music