Friday, August 11, 2017

Eating To Remember, Eating To Give Thanks

"For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes." I Corinthians 11:23-26

Some people drink to forget shameful or painful experiences.

Jesus teaches His people to eat to remember His shame and His pain.

We call it "Communion". Some call it "The Lord's Supper". A few refer to it as "The Eucharist". It is considered a Sacrament by every Christian denomination.

As we have been discussing the power of eating together this week, I find it significant that when Jesus chose one way for His Church to remember and celebrate His suffering He framed it around a table.

It makes sense though, doesn't it!

Eating is something we have to do to survive.

Eating is something we enjoy doing.

Eating is something want to do.

Eating is something we do every day!

Rarely do we forget to eat.

As believers, every time we eat we stop to thank God. So, in that sense every time we eat a meal we are reminded of the goodness of God! And if we Christians pause before each meal to give thanks and remember just think how much more powerful and meaningful that makes it when the believers from a church gather together and take Communion together!

In addition, memories are powerful! You take pictures of every memory you make so that later when you look at them you experience again the emotions of that moment!

So, once again I marvel at the wisdom of God! When He instituted the Sacrament of Communion He combined two very powerful loves in our lives - the love of eating and the love of memories!

And it reinforces our strategy of using meals together as an evangelism tool!

Isn't God amazing!

As you eat your breakfast today or break for lunch and gather for dinner would to take time to remember and be thankful!