Eucharist
Originally scheduled for
May 17
One
word for the Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is “Eucharist.” It is not in common
use in evangelical churches, but remains with the liturgical churches. The
word itself was in more common use in prior centuries; the changes in the
English language have confined it to particular churches.
The
word itself, however, comes from the earliest days of the church. Much of the
early church outside Jerusalem spoke Greek. In that language, the word used
for what we might call Communion was eucharistia – which means, simply,
“thanksgiving.”
Have you
ever thought of the Lord’s Supper as a time of thanksgiving? We can certainly
see it that way in our own personal lives; I have much to be thankful for.
I
am thankful, first, for my salvation. That Christ died for one as yet unborn –
me – is something to be thankful for indeed.
But
he did not give me just one chance at salvation. No, when I sin (as all of us
do) he is faithful and just to forgive my sin as I repent. Such patience!
I
am thankful, too, that by his sacrifice he broke down the wall between me and
God the Father. He is the peace that allows me to approach God Almighty and
call him “Father.”
We as
a church have reason to be thankful too. Among many other things, we should be
thankful for:
By
his sacrifice he has established the church – Christianity is not a solo
flight!
By
the example of his suffering we are prepared to suffer; by the example of his
death we are prepared for martyrdom. Who can say that it will not happen to
us?
By
his word we know that we celebrate this meal “until he comes again.” We are
thankful that we know of his sure and certain return.
As you
meditate upon the Lord’s Supper, remember: Give thanks. He did this for us.
