Devotional
“Living Our Beliefs: Holy Communion” - I Corinthians 11: 17 – 31
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Monday: “Not for the Better” - 1 Cor. 11: 17-19
Some of the most heartbreaking tales I hear as a pastor are the reasons why people left the church. Why the reasons may vary - gossip, pettiness, factions, etc. - at the heart it comes down to what the Apostle Paul is speaking of in today’s scripture passage - the church is not being the church. People have become so distracted by their own ambitions and desires that they have missed out on the purpose of the church - to share the good news of Jesus Christ. When we forget who we are as a church and what our true mission is, we are no longer meeting for the better, but for the worse.
But even in the midst of turmoil, Paul does not condemn everyone. He does speak of those who are truly genuine in their faith. We would do well in times of turmoil to seek out those with a faith that is rooted in the gospel. If we anchor ourselves with those deeply connected to Christ, all other factions will eventually fade away as the church becomes refocused on why we truly exist.
Have you ever felt like leaving the local church? What caused you to stay?
How can you seek out those who are genuine in their faith during times of turmoil? Who is one person in the church who you consider to be a genuine spiritual anchor?
Prayer: God, we confess that sometimes the church does not feel like a safe space to grow in our faith. Instead, at times, we find ourselves fighting over things that do not truly matter in your Kingdom. We find ourselves steeped in the behavior of the Church at Corinth - behaviors that do not glorify you or proclaim your reign. Forgive us, Lord. Help us to set our priorities straight so that there are no divisions among us that cause harm to others. We pray this in your name. Amen.
Tuesday: “The Lord’s Supper” - 1 Cor. 11: 20-22
The celebration of Holy Communion was a bit different during the early church. It wasn’t celebrated once a month or once a quarter - it was celebrated every time they gathered together. It was also more than just the bread and the cup - it was a full meal where people brought what they had to share with one another.
Only sharing at the feast was not happening. Those who were rich and powerful were eating first and making those that they deemed to be poor and unworthy wait until they were completely finished before being able to come and dine. As a result, most if not all of the food would be devoured before the poor could come.
Paul is trying to remind the Church in Corinth that this is not the purpose of the meal - the purpose is to be a community together, with no distinctions based on gender, power, or wealth. This was to be a table for everyone. Otherwise, it is not truly God’s table.
How does Holy Communion differ today from that of the early church? How is it similar?
In what ways are you reminded during the celebration of Holy Communion that the table is for everyone?
Prayer: Almighty God, we at times have corrupted your table. We have made it something it is not - by our human rules and regulations. Remind us, this day and always, that you invite all to come to your table and be fed, by the food present and by your love, mercy, and grace. May we be a church that truly exist for all people, not just those who are similar to us. Amen.
Wednesday: “The Body” - 1 Cor 11: 23-24
When we come together to celebrate holy communion we always retell the story of Jesus’s final meal on earth with his disciples. Paul does the same in today’s scripture passage. By retelling the story we remember exactly why we are celebrating this holy meal.
On the night Jesus gave himself up for us, the night he was betrayed, the night before his death. By starting the story of the meal in this way we are reminded of exactly what Jesus went through on our behalf. He took the bread and broke it - as a sign that his body was soon to be broken and to remind us that we are one in the body of Christ. And he said to his disciples, “this is my body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
We know that no one other than the son of God could offer a sacrifice for us in this manner. So when we gather around the table, we remember him, we remember his gift to us when he laid down his life. We remember that it is for our sinful nature that Christ’s body was broken. We remember so that we can live into the present reality of being the body of Christ.
What do you think about during the celebration of Holy Communion?
Why do you celebrate communion?
Prayer: God, we cannot begin to grasp what the mystery of Holy Communion means. No matter how often we celebrate it, there are still pieces of the story that have not sunk into our hearts; there are still realities about your life-giving sacrifice that we cannot fathom. Meet us in this holy meal, O God. And then use us, as your body, to minister to the world. Amen.
Thursday: “The Cup” - 1 Cor 11: 25-26
The cup represents the new covenant made by Christ’s blood. A covenant where Christ has conquered the victory of sin and death by his death and resurrection. Different denominations approach the cup in different ways. United Methodist use grape juice. While some suppose this is because United Methodists are against alcohol that is not quite factually accurate. John Wesley noticed that the men working blue collar jobs were spending a large portion of their pay checks at bars on alcohol instead of taking the money home to their families. Additionally, the cost of creating alcohol, caused the price of grain to skyrocket. As a result he encouraged folks to steer clear of alcohol in order to provide for their families.
Today, United Methodists continue the tradition of using grape juice at the table. We do so in order that all may be welcome at the table. We do not want the presence of alcohol to be a stumbling block for those who may struggle with addictions so we offer juice to all. In some places, both juice and wine are offered, giving people a choice, with the wine clearly marked to avoid any confusion.
What does the new covenant in Christ mean to you?
What does the communion table remind you about your faith?
Prayer: God, we thank you for the cup of Christ. We thank you for the blessing it offers to us. As you remind us in the communion liturgy, make us the body of Christ redeemed by your blood for the sake of the world. Make us one with you, one with each other, and one in ministry to the world until you return and we feast with you at your heavenly banquet table. Amen.
Friday: “Examine Yourselves” - 1 Cor 11: 27-31
We are not to enter into partaking the Lord’s Supper lightly. For some people that means take it as little as possible in order to keep it special, but that is not the teaching of the United Methodist Church. The UMC believes in the teaching of John Wesley which says to take part in the Lord’s Supper whenever possible.
Instead, examine yourself means to check your heart and confess your sins before coming to the table. This is one of the reasons I like the act of coming forward when I receive communion, it gives me time to confess my sins prior to partaking and time to silently praise God after receiving. There is no right or wrong way to receive communion, but however and whenever we receive we should check the state of our heart and confess anything sins we have not repented of in order to leave our hearts open to receiving the grace and mercy of Christ.
How do you remind yourself to examine your heart prior to receiving communion?
What does examining your heart look like for you?
Prayer: We want to be people who are marked by your body and blood, O Lord. We want to be people who live into our faith every day of the week, not just Sundays.
Saturday: Preparing for the Word
You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “Living Our Beliefs: What are We Teaching” - Romans 12: 6-7 and Matthew 10:24
Family Activity: Talk about holy communion. What does communion mean to you and your faith? If your child may not be able to understand the body and blood of Christ simply talk about the love of Jesus the meal represents.
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