Reminder
Originally scheduled for January 29
Luke 7:36-50
It is a common thing these days to have an electronic
calendar on your PC or smart phone. The software has been around for
quite some time, but remains in common use because of its value to
us.
· First of all, of
course, it serves as a reminder of our important dates and
appointments. It tells you where you’re supposed to be and when
you’re supposed to be there.
·
Next, it keeps a list of addresses and phone numbers with a much
better memory than you have.
·
Finally, most electronic calendars also include a to-do list. It’s a
convenient reminder of what you’re supposed to do — and the deadline
you have to meet.
Curiously, however, while the calendar offers
you reminders it does very little to nothing about instructing you.
You don’t really learn anything from a calendar; you are reminded of
things. There is wisdom in this. To paraphrase Samuel Johnson,
people don’t need instruction nearly as much as they need reminders.
Communion is just such a reminder as well. We do it on a
regular basis so that we will be reminded of the important things in
the faith. For example:
·
Communion reminds us of the incarnation of Christ, the fact that he
is God in the flesh. Both fully God and fully man, he understands
our needs and can do something about them.
·
Communion reminds us of the atonement of Christ. The purpose of the
incarnation was to give to us the Lamb of God who takes away the sin
of the world. Our forgiveness depends on his atonement. So we
remember his sacrifice on the Cross.
·
Communion reminds us of his coming again to judge the living and the
dead. His followers will receive their reward; the evil will get
what they deserve. Until then, we are to observe the Lord’s Supper
on a regular basis.
In the bread you see his body, broken and
wounded for us. In the cup you see his blood, shed for the
forgiveness of our sins. Therefore, examine yourself and take this
reminder with a pure heart. Remember, the pure in heart are those
who can see God. See him in the bread and the cup.
