It’s Communion Sunday. A time of repentance, remembrance, rejoicing.
Repentance ~ Silver plate passes in front of me. I take the bread, symbol of Christ’s broken body. Next comes the fruit of the vine, poured in thimble-sized, plastic cups.
Lord, I don’t deserve this. I’m not worthy.
But still, God loved me enough to send His Son, Jesus to ransom me
So I eat and drink in….
Remembrance ~ For this is My blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28)
Can’t comprehend the magnitude of God’s love, can’t fathom the cost.
But still, I raise my hands and …
Rejoice ~ that God’s grace is enough. I’ve been purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28) and “nothing can separate me from the love of God.” (Romans 8:38,39)
It’s a truth I’ll need to cling to because
That same day, I’m on a walk when a turkey vulture circles overhead; in search of death, a hearty meal.
I think of my “adversary, the devil, who prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to destroy.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Not knowing, that someone is me.
While the sweet fruit of the vine lingers on my lips, I trespass once again. And in a blind moment, God’s grace and love appears dim as I listen to the enemy’s accusations.
Karen, You are not worthy.
I weep, knowing my best can’t close the gap between my filth and God’s holiness.
But still, God loves me. And His Spirit that dwells within me, because I am purchased by His blood, guides me to a passage that confirms His benevolent grace.
In Zechariah 3:1-4, Satan accuses Joshua, the high priest of Israel, who stands before the angel of the Lord wearing filthy garments. Instead of defending Joshua, God says, “Remove the filthy garments from him. See, I have taken your iniquity from you and will clothe you with festal robes.”
God’s grace is enough.
Tears cloud my vision, as I read verse 8 aloud, “Behold, I am going to bring in My servant the Branch…and I will remove the iniquity….”
“The Branch,” Jesus the Messiah, who “was crushed for our iniquities” (Psalm 53:5)
Crushed for MY iniquities, and brought
Reconciliation ~”God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them…. “ (2 Corinthians 5:18)
Defeated, the enemy slinks away in silence; his tail between his legs.
Elated, I rejoice once again that my perfection is based on my relationship with Christ and not my petty performance.
Even In This 