Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Holy Communion: Healing of  Body and Soul

Exodus: 12:1-12
 

 Christians often overlook the significance of the Old Testament. The New Testament cannot be understood without the Old Testament and many themes carry from the Old to the New Testament. In Exodus 12, we see the origin of Passover. Lambs were slain based on the directions given to Moses and Aaron by God. The blood was spread on the doorframes of each of the Israelite’s homes. The Lord says “ No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt” (v.13) This is a festival celebrated as a remembrance of the deliverance out of Egypt. However, in Christianity there is more symbolism to it.
    The Last Supper took place during the Passover Festival. The Last Supper is what we celebrate as Holy Communion. Holy Communion reminds us of how God’s love saved us from the bondage of sin through Christ. As we partake in the Body and Blood of Christ, we are renewed through Christ and are set apart. We see a similarity in the origin of Passover. The lamb was slain and the Israelites were set apart from the destruction of Egypt through the wrath of God. Here symbolically we see Christ’s death on the cross was the “blood of the lamb” on the doors of the hearts of believers. Believing in Christ’s death and resurrection leads to salvation and the same belief is required for Holy Communion. 
    The healing aspect of Holy Communion is often overlooked. The healing comes from what a person understands in the meaning of the participation of Holy Communion. When partaking in the Body and Blood, it is not only just a remembrance of Christ’s love but also a reminder that salvation was attained on the cross. Hence, salvation is achieved by aligning oneself with Christ. Often we become overwhelmed by the world and the burdens within the world. The Israelites were struggling with their burden, hopeless as slaves in Egypt. The Passover started their deliverance out of Egypt and gave them their initial hope.

Similarly, as we partake in Holy Communion, we are reminded that as we struggle with the burdens in this world, Christ’s sacrifice has given us hope that never fades. We have been delivered, we have been saved, and we have constant healing through the love of Christ shown on the cross. The healing all comes through the faith we have in Christ. The Israelites were delivered because they had faith in what God instructed Moses and Aaron.

Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for freeing us from the bondage of sin and reconciling our relationship with you through your sacrifice. Help us to understand your unchanging and unconditional love and to share that love with our communities.

 Thought for the Day
“When I thought, “My foot slips,” Your steadfast love, O Lord, helped me up. When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.”  Psalms 94:18-19


Sanjai George  , Staten Island Marthoma church

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