In Remembrance of Me

May 6

Judges 8-9

Psalm 56:1-7

Proverbs 13:1-2

Luke 22:1-23

In Remembrance of Me

“And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you.  Do this in remembrance of Me.’  And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.’”  Luke 22:19-20 LSB

The word communion comes from the Latin word, communio, which means sharing or participating together. This definition highlights the importance of participating in the Lord’s Supper in community.  Having grown up in a Baptist church, I have seen and participated in communion for my entire life.  Unfortunately, as with many rituals, the repetitive nature of communion can lead to a casual attitude about it.  I have been a part of churches that have communion every week, some that do it once a month and some less often.  There is no specific instruction in Scripture as to how often we are to participate in communion, but it is essential that we take it seriously.  It should never be something we just blindly do as part of the church service without serious reflection and contemplation.  For the last few years, I have been in charge of preparing for communion each month at our church.  It has given me a new appreciation and reverence for its meaning and purpose.  We take the responsibility very seriously and recognize that it is a sacred ritual and a privilege to prepare the elements for the body of believers to commemorate the sacrifice of our Lord.  Before every communion our pastor gives a very specific warning that if you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior you are not to participate in communion lest you bring judgment on yourself.  (I Corinthians 11:27-29) 

There are specific reasons that believers celebrate communion.  It is a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf by His death, burial and resurrection that provided the redemption for our sins.  Communion is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus and our identity as a believer.  By taking communion we are proclaiming our belief in Him to others. Communion also binds us together with other believers in a faith community proclaiming that we are part of the body of Christ.  Whether you take communion in your home church or in a church where you are visiting, you are identifying with brothers and sisters who share a common bond in Christ.  It creates spiritual unity in purpose and mission.  It also points us to a future hope we have through the resurrection of Christ in which He defeated death and provided those who accept Him with the assurance of eternal life.  Whenever we participate in communion, whether weekly or once a month, we need to make sure we are entering it with reverence and remembrance.  May it never become a habit or mere ritual.  Make sure that you spend time in prayer and reflection thanking Jesus for His sacrifice, for your personal salvation, for the privilege of worshipping Him in a body of believers who are united in purpose and mission, and for the future hope of His second coming giving us eternal life with Him in heaven.