Scripture

For every time you eat the bread and drink the cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.

Observation

Paul now moves on to teach about the Lord’s Supper, where he has a rebuke for the Corinthians.

When they meet together, those who arrive first eat without waiting for the others who may be late. The result is that some have plenty to eat, but others go home hungry.

The point about the Lord’s Supper is not about eating and drinking for our stomach’s sake. It is a remembrance of the night when Jesus was betrayed prior to His crucifixion.

Every time we eat the bread and rink the cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death.

We must therefore examine ourselves before we take part in the Lord’s Supper. We must honour the Body of Christ (that is, the church) or we may bring God’s judgement on ourselves.

Application

The celebration of the Lord’s Supper is an evangelistic action, because it proclaims the Lord’s death – the body and blood of Christ bring salvation and the forgiveness of sins.

The sacrament proclaim the gospel to:

• the believers who are gathered. We need to be reminded that we are saved and set apart for God’s purposes. We forget our calling so easily.
• the unbelievers in the gathering. This is a concrete enactment of the gospel. Jesus Christ died for sinners,
• the spirits and principalities. These demons are reminded that in Christ the war has been won.
• the angels and saints watching and cheering us on from the heavenly realms

Because it is such a powerful proclamation, we must ensure that our hearts are in tune with the Holy Spirit whenever we celebrate Holy Communion.

Prayer

Thank you Father for the weekly celebration of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Thank you for redeeming me. Amen.