Until He Comes
Originally scheduled for January 16
We
are told by Paul that partaking of communion is a way of proclaiming
our Lord’s death.
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim
the Lord's death until He comes.
(1 Corinthians 11:26 NASB)
A question arises: why do we proclaim his
death? Shouldn’t that better read “resurrection?”The fact is that
proclaiming our Lord’s death carries with it much that the Christian
should know.
In proclaiming our Lord’s death, we inevitably
proclaim the atonement of sins that he accomplished on the cross.
·
The manner of his death, in accord
with the Passover ceremony, tells us that this atonement was in
accordance with the Old Testament law. Christ is not isolated from
the Old Testament; he is rather the fulfillment of the Old
Testament.
·
His death is also in accordance with
the prophets who give several accounts — particularly in Isaiah — of
the Savior to come. In proclaiming his death we proclaim the
fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament.
·
Most important of all, by proclaiming
his death we tell the world that he has made the payment for sin
that reconciles us to God.
Servant Nature of Christ
We also proclaim his death his nature as the
servant King. This is not a king who came to conquer by force, but
to woo with love.
·
The nature of his death reminds us
that he was God incarnate. Think what a tremendous change in status
it is to go from God Almighty to Jesus of Nazareth. He became one of
us and died as we do.
·
Not only that, he lived the life of a
poor boy. He was born in a stable. He was called a Nazarene — the
equivalent today might be “redneck” or “hillbilly.” And he died like
a common criminal on the cross, crucified between two thieves being
executed for their crimes.
·
The test of the servant is that he
does what you don’t want to do. The ultimate test of the servant is
that he will die doing it. Christ died for those who were not
worthy.
Love of God
Finally, his death tells us of the great love
of God.
·
Consider the verbs in John 3:16 —
“loved” and “gave.” Christ gave his life at the express command of
the Father. It was a superb demonstration of God’s love for us.
·
In his earthly ministry, Christ not
only shared what he knew with his disciples, but also shared
himself. Fathers teach their children best by example; he is our
great example.
·
Even in his departure, he showed us
his love. He left this earth so that someone more useful to us (the
Holy Spirit) would be able to guide and instruct us.
In taking communion you show forth the body and
blood of Christ, as represented in the bread and the cup. In so
doing you proclaim the atonement for sins by the servant King,
Jesus, who showed us God’s great love for mankind. Proclaim it now
in communion; be ready to proclaim it throughout the week.
