Body & Blood
Taking communion is a sacred act. We are called to prepare our hearts as we enter into the new covenant through the body and blood of Christ.
“Take a census of the whole Israelite community by families—all those twenty years old or more who are able to serve in the army of Israel.” The Lord said to Moses, “The land is to be allotted to them as an inheritance based on the number of names. To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed.”
Numbers 26:1-2, 52-54
Why would God take a census? What does a taking a census accomplish? The Hebrew word for census is paqad and it means much more than count people. There is a richness to the Hebrew language that is hard to describe with singular English words. To take a census was to number, attend, appoint, and prepare. Does that not bring about a different meaning that just count?
God was not just saying to Moses to find out how many people could go to war. He was challenging Moses to find out how many people were faithful to the covenant, ready to be appointed to serve their role, and prepared to do His will. Bringing that closer to home. What if God took a census today? Will you be counted among the number whose heart is devoted, mind is prepared, and soul is committed to the covenant relationship with Jesus?
“I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."
Psalms 143: 5-12
David reflects on the God's faithfulness to the covenant He has with us. David praises God for His generosity, goodness, and guidance. Have you taken time to reflect and praise God today? Have you ever considered keeping a gratitude journal? Why or why not? What keeps us from taking the time to write down all of our blessings. Pastor Mark Batterson says the shortest pencil is longer than the longest memory.
David knows that the work is not yet finished. He knows that while he has breath in his lungs that there is work to be done for the Lord. He also knows he cannot do it in his own strength, knowledge, or understanding. So what does David do? He prays for God to show him, guide him, and remain faithful so that David can do God's will. Implied in David's response is that he actively seeks to hear God speak to Him. Do you? It has been said that when the people of God work for the glory of God they cannot be stopped. What is your prayer today?
“If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest. If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success. Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.”
Ecclesiastes 10:4, 10, 18
Solomon has advice on how to remain steadfast in your work. If God were to take a census would He find you steadfast? Or would He find you grumbling about the work you have to do, other people, and the circumstances in your life? Wisdom says that even when the temperature rises in the room, the one who controls the thermostat will prevail. Stay calm. Be patient in affliction. The enemy of your life wants the difficulties you face to drive you away from God. Solomon says stand your ground. Do not leave your post. Will God be able to count you as one who He can count on to stand firm?
Solomon says greater consistency and gaining skill will help you achieve more for the King than effort or idleness. Solomon challenges us to be counted as people who listen and live intentionally. How does the passage to sharpen your skillset and show up for work shape your perspective about what you should do?
"With uplifted hand I said to them, “I am the Lord your God.” On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of Egypt into a land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands. And I said to them, “Each of you, get rid of the vile images you have set your eyes on, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the Lord your God...But they rebelled against me and would not listen to me...I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the Lord made them holy."
Ezekiel 20:5-12, 17-20, 37, 40
Ezekiel speaks the truth that God has been faithful in the past, is working in the present, and has blessed plans for those who walk faithfully. God wants good for your life and has been good to you. Consider the goodness of God and all that He has done for you. How will you respond to God's goodness and faithfulness?
Truth tells us that there are things that can get us off track. Ezekiel sites idols, outside influences, and ignoring the Sabbath as issues that can arise in our lives. How do you guard your heart and mind from each of these? Are any of them affecting your life? Why would God give the Sabbath as a sign that we can count as evidence that God is faithful in our covenantal relationship?
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup."
1 Corinthians 11:1, 17, 23-28, 32
Think of the last time you took communion. How did you feel? Is there not something sacred when you eat the bread and special when you drink the wine? This practice is so much more than a religious ritual. Communion is centered in our living relationship with our Savior who willingly chose the cross that we might have everlasting life. Communion is a sign of God's commitment and faithfulness to us as He re-wrote the covenant. Jesus is the new covenant as we become people who are no longer living according to the law of Moses, but have the law of God's love written on our hearts. Have you considered what it means to be part of the new covenant? Have you declared that you are one who can be counted as faithful to this covenant relationship? Paul says we must not take drinking the cup lightly, but that we should always count the cost that Jesus Christ paid for us.
Communion is an opportunity to connect to Jesus in a profound way where we outwardly practice taking Jesus into us. God with us and within us. Paul says examine yourself. Have you examined yourself today? Have you prayed Lord Jesus search me, examine me, reveal in me anything that is against the new covenant? Have you prayed David's prayer that Jesus would show you the way, committed your life to Him, and asked Him to lead you on level ground? The Bible says Jesus knows you and calls you by name. He stands at the door of your heart and knocks. He actively pursues you that you would be counted as one who calls Him Lord and Savior. You are needed for the kingdom, you are anointed by Him, and He has prepared a way for you. As He takes a census today, stand up and see what God has in store for you as you live out the everlasting covenant.