Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 2, 2022
Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
23 I received a tradition from the Lord, which I also handed on to you: on the night on which he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread. 24 After giving thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this to remember me.” 25 He did the same thing with the cup, after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Every time you drink it, do this to remember me.” 26 Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you broadcast the death of the Lord until he comes.
Good morning! Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Despite the rain and the gloomy forecast, I am excited to share in Holy Communion with my brothers and sisters around the world. Even though our traditions are different with many types of bread, wine or juice, and words in more languages than I can count, we are one body in Christ. As a pastor, Lowell always wished that all could have the opportunity to officiate communion because he most strongly felt God working through him during this sacrament as he consecrated and served the bread and wine.
It is special to me that my first official service as a pastor was World Communion Sunday two years ago today. At that time, I was serving as a Lay Supply Pastor and couldn’t yet consecrate the elements, but I was being led to a new life and I longed for this day. When I try to describe this experience, the only word that comes to mind is electric. Joining together in Holy Communion as one body provides us, the believers, a way to transcend time and space for that brief moment. When all who came before us, those who are with us now, and those who have yet to come to join together to eat the bread and drink the cup, we continue to broadcast the death of the Lord until he returns in final victory.
The table of the Lord is a sacred place to which we are invited to share despite our many failings. Come the feast is ready! Join in the celebration as the one body! Open yourself to God’s message as you come to the table today!
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Today, we feast as we gather and celebrate as one body in Christ. Only through your grace are we invited. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Communion connects me to Christians around the world.
Prepare for the celebration! Pastor Liz
Comments