Greetings to you in the awesome name of Jesus Christ – THE Risen Savior! What a beautiful Spring morning in the Kingdom! What a privilege and delight to rejoice and be glad in a day that has been made for us by the Lord! Looking out my window this morning I thank God for creation…there is such beauty and diversity – and I thank God for all the creatures…especially the robin family who have taken up residence in our tree – and I thank God for our neighborhood – and I thank God for you! This morning I will be praying for each one of you, asking Father to bless you so that you can bless someone else and experience a “double blessing!”…and I will pray peace over you and your family.
Over the past weeks we have included a simple communion service as part of our daily routine. It started with a testimony from a dear friend and the recommendation of book…which taught us and challenged us. One of the words that is used as par of the readings is “partake” and we have been a little curious as to why…what does it mean or imply? It certainly isn’t a word we use regularly, so I decided to investigate. “Partake” simply means to receive, have, take, share, or practice along with others. However, “partake” has another meaning…to experience, possess, or share something of the nature or attributes or character.
Interestingly, “partake” is a New Testament word that expresses the second meaning – experience or possess or share…in the glory of Christ, in the grace of Christ, in the heavenly calling, in the divine nature, in the benefits, and in the rewards. So, in my mind, as we “partake” of the bread and the wine…or wafer and juice, we are doing more than eating and drinking. We are experiencing the nature and character and personality of Jesus Christ…and that creates a profound moment of intimacy with God.
Now when Jesus modelled this for His followers this moment of intimacy included an expression of giving thanks – of being grateful and overcome with praise. And why not, for we are being reminded of our salvation and liberation and healing and the promise of His return. Yes, it is a solemn moment, for a great price was paid but we are told that Jesus paid this price to experience the joy that would come from it.
Something to ponder…have a blessed day!