Chalice in Wonderland

Two weeks ago I talked to you about reclaiming a “healthy sense of wonder.” This week we have an excellent opportunity to practice as we gather together to take communion. If you grew up in the church, it is very likely that the act of communion has become commonplace. It is very easy to treat this as just another thing we “do” in church. But, friends, this is far more than just something we do! This is our opportunity to commune with God. As we physically consume the bread, we have the opportunity to spiritually be consumed by God’s presence.

We grew up in a culture that related the word “real” to mean physical or natural, but by doing so we have shortchanged the spiritual world. Jesus told the crowds in Capernaum, “For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.” (John 6:55-57)

Just as it is true that if we stop eating food, in time our bodies will really die, so it is true that if we stop communing with God through Jesus Christ our spirits will really die. The death is no less real. Just as we cannot live full lives on one meal, but must eat regularly to remain healthy, so too we cannot remain vital disciples off of one experience with God.

So this week, as we come to meet with God through the act of communion, worship through remembrance. As you are given the bread, remember the times throughout history that God gave Himself for His children. He delivered them out of Egypt, sustained them through the wilderness, and led them into the Promised Land. He provided a way for them to draw near through the law, through sacrifices. Then remember the times He has delivered, sustained, and led you. Remember that He provided a way for you to draw near, defeating the law, through His son. And this week, instead of taking the bread and juice, let them take you. . .into the very presence of our loving, sustaining God.

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