A Communion Meditation for 2/7/2016

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

 

Twice, in Vss. 24 & 25 – Paul records Jesus’ own emphasis in what it is He desired in our coming to this table – “Do this in remembrance of ME.”

 

Communion confronts the NOETIC effects of sin – Keeping spiritual realities before the mind as lenses that color everything, is a desperate need for the Believer.

 

Knowing our weakness in this regard, Jesus condescends to provide a truly potent, powerful gift in the Table set here today.

 

Note the focus here: “In remembrance of ME”

 

In remembrance of the person and work of Jesus.

 

It is not a remembrance of abstract theological truths.

 

It is the remembrance of Him.

 

Remember – His Person: That He is very God and very man. God incarnate.

 

WHO we remember here isn’t just some philosopher or sage. Not some mere miracle worker or wise teacher – He is the Lord of the universe, come in human flesh.

 

We must never let our minds let forget either His infinite deity, nor His humble humanity.

 

Remember – His Life. Everything He said and did, was done in perfect righteousness and obedience to God the Father – and the means whereby perfect righteousness is imputed to all who trust in Him.

 

Born in Bethlehem, He lived a life aimed directly at the cross of Calvary where He would die so the sinful sons and daughters of Adam.

 

He lived, that we might live. He lived, with every intent to die for us as much as He lived for us. Manifesting the Father in every word, every action, every attitude, every decision and every breath.

 

John 14:8–9 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” ⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

 

He lived, that we might know the reality of “God with us.”

 

Remember – His death: As He Himself would tell us “John 10:17–18 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

 

His death was not a tragic accident.

 

His body was “broken” – His blood was “shed”.

 

It was at once the pinnacle of the revelation human sin – that given a chance we would kill God – the most holy and innocent of all.

 

And, it was the pinnacle of the revelation of God’s mercy and saving grace, as He gives His own Son, the sacrifice for human sin, and our substitute, that we might know justice against sin is carried out, while at the same time, those who believe in Him as their sin-bearer – might have forgiveness and cleansing from every and all guilt!

 

There was no other death ever like His. Nor will there ever be another.

 

For in it, He fully satisfied the Father for us, and took the holy wrath of God against us.

 

Remember – His burial:  Ignominious. Humble. In someone else’s tomb.

 

And not a pageant, but a real death and a real burial.

 

Truly dead for us. Not swooning, or fainting or faking.

 

Wrapped by fearful, doubting hands.

 

Buried with no recorded anticipation by others of His resurrection, even though He Himself had prophesied it.

 

Taking the full of our guilt and shame to the full of its conclusion – the grave. For all sin leads to death. And our sin led to His death.

 

Remember – His resurrection:  –  Justification

 

Romans 4:24c–25 “Jesus our Lord, ²⁵ who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”

 

 

Remember – His Ascension:   –   Pentecost

 

The “one Body” He has made of all who believe in Him by the giving of His indwelling Spirit.

 

Ruling until all of His enemies are put under His feet.

 

Remember His promised return: – 1 Cor. 11:26 “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

 

That we are a gathering of Believers, obeying in anticipation of His return.

Remember – His Person:

Remember – His Life.

Remember – His death:

Remember – His burial:

Remember – His resurrection:

Remember – His Ascension:

Remember His promised return:

 

In remembering Him – we are specifically NOT remembering OURSELVES

Our sin

Our righteousness

Our worthiness or unworthiness

All is focused upon Him!

 

We lift your high and holy name

God robed in flesh, to earth you came

And drank up all our guilt and shame

In the broken bread

and the blood red cup

We remember you this hour

 

Who walked the Father’s steps each day

And spoke the words He gave to say

What e’re the cost in love obeyed

In the broken bread

and the blood red cup

We remember you this hour

 

You died in bearing our disgrace

Upon the Cross you took our place

The Father’s wrath you full embraced

In the broken bread

and the blood red cup

We remember you this hour

 

They laid you in a borrowed tomb

And gave you up to Death’s dark doom

In death you took the sinner’s room

In the broken bread

and the blood red cup

We remember you this hour

 

Our debt, full paid, you rose again

And conquered death for fallen men

For all who’s hope on Thee depends

In the broken bread

and the blood red cup

We remember you this hour

 

Ascending back from whence you came

You took your throne to rule and reign

And sent your Spirit for our gain

In the broken bread

and the blood red cup

We remember you this hour

 

And now we wait your soon return

Your Spirit’s fire within us burns

As Bride for Groom, our soul’s do yearn

In the broken bread

and the blood red cup

We remember you this hour

 

Christ Jesus, Lord and Reigning King

Around this table gathering

We do as you have asked – this thing

In the broken bread

and the blood red cup

We remember you this hour