Pause
Originally scheduled for September 26
One of the changes in the church in the last few years has been a
shift to a more upbeat, up-tempo worship style. Where in the past we
had solemnity throughout the service, it now seems that only
communion is a solemn event. It’s as if you’re playing an action
movie on your TV, and somebody hits the pause button. Suddenly,
everything stops. May I suggest that we pause — and look.
Look back
We may begin by looking backwards, into history. Among the many
possible things we could look at, these three are of first
importance:
·
God Almighty came into our world, as a baby, in the flesh. CS Lewis
called the Incarnation “the supreme miracle.” God himself walked
among us on feet like ours.
·
He did not come just to say some fine things. He came to be the
Atonement for our sins. His death on the cross paid the price to
reconcile us and grant us forgiveness and eternal life.
·
Finally, his resurrection from the grave assures us that he has
conquered death — and that his promises of eternal life are
therefore sure.
Look around
We must also look at the present. What do we see as we take
communion?
·
First, we see the unity of the church. All those who claim the name
of Christ are taking of the same cup and the same loaf. We are one.
·
That church is united in its loyalty to its Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ. The church is composed of those who are obedient to the
commands of Christ, and that church proclaims its unity in
communion.
·
To maintain our relationship with Christ, and thus maintain our
unity, we take the time to examine ourselves, and repent.
Look forward
We should also look forward. What has our Lord told us will occur?
There are many things that are prophesied, and many schemes of
prophecy to interpret them. But these are the great certainties of
the future:
·
The dead shall rise to face judgment. Do you think Adolf Hitler got
what he deserved? Neither do I. But God isn’t finished with him yet,
nor the rest of humanity.
·
The dead in Christ will rise with a body which is incorruptible —
and eternal body designed for an eternity with Christ. “Joy
unspeakable, the half has never yet been told.”
·
Eternal life is promised to us — not an eternal life of drudgery and
pain but one in which the ultimate enemy of the human race, death,
has been conquered and joy reigns.
All this will come about because of the act of love of our Savior.
He came in the flesh and died as our atonement. In communion we
proclaim our loyalty to him. We also proclaim our belief in his
return. Even so, Lord, come soon.
