Iconoclasm
Originally scheduled for January 7
One of the consistent themes in the Christian faith is some form
of iconoclasm. Somewhere within the church there is a group of
people who are devoted to the idea that they need to smash statues,
burn pictures, tear down buildings and otherwise delete images of
all sorts so as to provide purity in the worship of Christ. They
accuse their opponents of being idolaters, hypocrites or worse. They
go about their chores with great zeal and absolutely unswerving
conviction.
It is interesting, therefore, to note that in
2000 years of Christian history there seems to be no mention of
iconoclasts attacking the Lord’s Supper. They are usually in blithe
and sweet agreement with their foes that communion is most necessary
and is not subject to whatever rules of iconoclasm they have
promulgated. Indeed, often after having removed all the images from
the church they are willing to kneel with their conservative
opponents at the altar to receive communion. It is an aspect of
worship which seems never to have suffered the iconoclastic
challenge.
Why the exception? Perhaps the reason is simply
this: communion is so simple and yet the same time so profound that
it slips past the iconoclast. He sees no picture to be worshiped but
rather a command to be followed. “Do this,” said our Lord. The
iconoclast sees himself as an obedient Christian, as does his
conservative opponent. The command is imperative; it is also simple.
Both sides see this in a similar way. In the bread we see the
body of Christ, hung on the cross for the salvation of the world. He
is our atonement sacrifice in the physical body — and that we are to
remember with the bread. In the cup we see his blood, shed for our
salvation. Taken together they remind us of the great love the
Father has for us, that he would give his only Son. It is the
ceremony of deep spiritual meaning. We should prepare for
appropriately, by examining ourselves to see if there is something
that needs to change in our behavior. So, as we proceed to communion
this morning, examine yourself. Ask the Lord for his help in so
doing, so that you might see what repentance is required. Then
partake, as befits a true believing Christian.
