Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
The Sacrament of Holy Qurbana: The Most Significant Meal.
1 Corinthians 11:23-24
Mathew Samuel
“For whenever you eat
this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
–I Corinthians 11:26
Pastor J.C. Ryle in his book, Practical Religion wrote, “Right reception of the Lord’s Supper has a ‘humbling’ effect on the soul. The sight of the bread and wine as emblems of Christ’s body and blood, reminds us how sinful sin must be, if nothing less than the death of God’s own Son could make satisfaction for it, or redeem us from its guilt. Never should we be so ‘clothed with humility,’ as when we receive the Lord’s Supper.”
When we look at the context, we know that Paul is writing to the Corinthian Church, a church that did not have much sense of morality, and clung to the ways of this world, more than they did of Christ. Yet, the point that Paul makes here applies to each of our churches, and more importantly, to each of us.
Paul begins by saying that what has been given to him from the Lord, he passes onto them. He quotes Jesus in saying, “…do this in remembrance of me.” Communion is not something we do as routine, but rather, it is an ordinance from Christ Himself. It is not meant to be taken lightly, but always with gratitude to the Savior for redeeming us through His body and blood.
This passage is quoted word for word in our Holy Communion Service after the First Blessing, known as Consecration. When we say this during our worship, we should truly mean that, “We remember His death, celebrate His resurrection, and await His second coming.” This isn’t meant to be just lip service, but an acknowledgement of worship and praise to the Savior.
Verses 27 to 34 point out a very stern point to the Corinthian Church, as well as to us. We are not to take part of the Holy Communion simply because it’s routine, and everyone else does it. No, we must come with an open heart before Jesus. Christ paid a huge price with His life to save us. It would be disgusting to cheapen that price by taking part of the Lord’s Table without a repentant heart.
We should take part in the Lord’s Supper as often as we can, but always with a heart set on Jesus. Never should we turn it into idolatry and lose focus on Jesus, nor should we take it with apathy and scorn Him.
–I Corinthians 11:26
Pastor J.C. Ryle in his book, Practical Religion wrote, “Right reception of the Lord’s Supper has a ‘humbling’ effect on the soul. The sight of the bread and wine as emblems of Christ’s body and blood, reminds us how sinful sin must be, if nothing less than the death of God’s own Son could make satisfaction for it, or redeem us from its guilt. Never should we be so ‘clothed with humility,’ as when we receive the Lord’s Supper.”
When we look at the context, we know that Paul is writing to the Corinthian Church, a church that did not have much sense of morality, and clung to the ways of this world, more than they did of Christ. Yet, the point that Paul makes here applies to each of our churches, and more importantly, to each of us.
Paul begins by saying that what has been given to him from the Lord, he passes onto them. He quotes Jesus in saying, “…do this in remembrance of me.” Communion is not something we do as routine, but rather, it is an ordinance from Christ Himself. It is not meant to be taken lightly, but always with gratitude to the Savior for redeeming us through His body and blood.
This passage is quoted word for word in our Holy Communion Service after the First Blessing, known as Consecration. When we say this during our worship, we should truly mean that, “We remember His death, celebrate His resurrection, and await His second coming.” This isn’t meant to be just lip service, but an acknowledgement of worship and praise to the Savior.
Verses 27 to 34 point out a very stern point to the Corinthian Church, as well as to us. We are not to take part of the Holy Communion simply because it’s routine, and everyone else does it. No, we must come with an open heart before Jesus. Christ paid a huge price with His life to save us. It would be disgusting to cheapen that price by taking part of the Lord’s Table without a repentant heart.
We should take part in the Lord’s Supper as often as we can, but always with a heart set on Jesus. Never should we turn it into idolatry and lose focus on Jesus, nor should we take it with apathy and scorn Him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You offered Your body and blood, so that we will remember Your sacrifice for us sinners. Help us to take part in Your Communion with a repentant heart, trusting in Your saving grace. Amen.
Thought for the day: The most significant meal will only have meaning if we
acknowledge that we are sinners in need of a Savior
St. Pauls MTC, TX