How You Look At It
Originally scheduled for
March 6
In the British Museum, in London, England, there is a unique
piece of glassware known as the Lycurgus Cup. The cup itself is said
to date to the fourth century A.D., which makes it rare enough. But
it has a most amazing property: its color depends on how you look at
it. If you look at the cup in reflected light, such as is common
with flash photography, the cup appears to be green. If you shine
light from behind the cup appears to be red. In short, how it
appears to you depends on how you light it. The phenomenon has only
recently been explained, as a part of the field of physics known as
nanoplasmonics.
His sense, communion shares the same phenomenon. What communion
is depends very much on how you light it.
·
If you see it in the sense of covenant, it becomes the symbol of the
relationship God has established with man — so that man might be
blessed.
·
If you see it in the light of sacrifice, is a measure of the
greatness of the man known as Jesus of Nazareth.
·
You may also see it as a remembrance — a time of remembering. It is
simple, it is profound, it is impossible to forget.
·
It can also be seen in the light of proclamation — the simple event
in your life which proclaims to all around you that you are a
Christian; you have accepted the sacrifice of your Lord Jesus
Christ.
·
It can also be seen in the light of love. The greatest display of
love which can possibly be made is the sacrifice of your life. The
more righteous the life, the greater the sacrifice — and therefore
this is the greatest possible demonstration of love.
But there is one other light which must be shined on communion. It
is the light of judgment. If your life does not match the
proclamation of love you are making, God will not hold you innocent
for it. Examine yourself carefully; repent of what you need to; and
then partake.
