The eucharis or communion is a meal of sorrow or blessing as we want it. The bread signifies the body of Christ, and the drink the blood of Jesus. It is termed as Holy Communion because it symbolizes the holiness of Christ Jesus. Jesus said in Luke 22: 19-24 “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after super, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. It must not be associated with sin or evil or ungodliness. 1 Corinthians 11: 26 says for as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
The meal of sorrow
Communion is a whole spiritual meal for the soul. When we eat it in sin without repentance, we eat it as a meal of sorrow. Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 11: 26-31 whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. Examine yourselves, and only then eat the bread and drink of the cup. For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgment against themselves. For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged.
The communion is not mere bread or drink, but the holy body of Christ. Some eat it without knowledge of what it is, thus suffering the consequences. Hosea 4: 6 says my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. Some also eat it for public deception that they are righteous whereas they are not. Psalms 44: 21 says God knows the secrets of the heart. Others do so in mockery of God. However, Galatians 6: 7 says do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. It is eaten with a penitent heart in remembrance of Christ.
Eating it unworthily associates Jesus with sin. 1John 1: 5 says… in him there is no darkness at all. Paul wrote in 2Corinthians 5: 21 for our sake God made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2Corinthians 6: 14 asks, what fellowship is there between light and darkness? It is therefore vile to associate Jesus with sin thereby quenching his Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5: 19 says do not quench the Spirit. Those who quench the Holy Spirit suffer weakness (illness or death). We must not blaspheme the holiness of Christ Jesus. Do we eat the meal of sorrow without repentance?
The meal of blessing
The same communion or Eucharist is a meal of blessing. For that reason, Jesus said we must do so in remembrance of him. What is to be remembered about Jesus during Eucharist is as follows:
Jesus’ Holiness
We are to attain holiness as Christ is. Leviticus 11: 44 says for I am the LORD your God; sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. Peter said in 1Peter 1: 15-16… as he who has called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” Peter continued in 1Peter 1: 19… the precious blood of Christ is like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. This is how Jesus wants us to remember him. Though he was tested, was without sin. Hebrews 4: 15 says… we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. His meal will be a blessing if we do this.
Jesus’ Sacrifice
Jesus wants us to remember his sacrifice for us. Romans 5: 8 says but God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. His reason for dying is said in 1Thessalonians 5: 10 he died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. He sacrificed for us. John 10: 11 says I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. During eucharis we must remember Jesus as told in 1Corinthians 5: 7 clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Heaven calls for sacrifice.
Jesus’ Suffering
Jesus suffered to redeem us. Hebrews 13: 12 says Jesus suffered outside the city gate (heaven) in order to sanctify the people (sinners) by his own blood. Jesus said in Matthew 11: 29-30 take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. This is what Jesus wants us to remember at the spiritual meal of him, and why he suffered on the cross. Acts 8: 32-33 quote the book of Isaiah, “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. At communion, we commit to also suffering for Jesus.
Jesus’ faithfulness
Jesus was faithful to the Father towards us, Hebrews 3: 3. His faithfulness involved love, forgiveness, and redeeming grace. Paul said in 1Thessalonians 5: 24 the one who calls you is faithful. Also 2Thessalonians 3: 3 says the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. Are we faithful to him? I2Timothy 2: 13 says if we are faithless, he remains faithful–for he cannot deny himself. By his faithfulness Romans 8: 34 says Jesus intercedes for us. He forgives our sins. 1John 1: 9 says if we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He loves us. John 3: 16 says for God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Jesus wants us to love also. He said in John 15: 9 as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. (Read also verses 12-13).
Jesus is the Saviour
At the eucharis our remembrance must be a devotion to Jesus as the only Saviour of mankind. John 6: 54 says those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Jesus came for a purpose. John 3: 17 says indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Jesus said in John 10: 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and out and find pasture. He said in John 12: 47… for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Paul added in Romans 10: 9 if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. He wrote in 1Timothy 1: 15…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the foremost. If Jesus saved Paul, he will save you if you submit to him at his table and anywhere. 1Timothy 2: 4 says God our Saviour desires everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Jesus saved us not by our works but by his mercy, Titus 3: 5. He is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, Hebrews 7: 25. How do we reflect at his table?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, help us to eat of you worthily and in true remembrance of you at your table. We pray in your holy name, Amen!!
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