Luke 14-20

When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Long before the New Testament was written or creeds were formalized, early believers gathered for the Lord’s Supper. It is through simple, every-day items the church was able to witness to and participate in God’s redemptive act in Christ Jesus every Lord’s Day. One of the first sacraments, sacred acts, and words that make the promises of God concrete. As reformed people, we recognize this sacrament, one commanded by Jesus for his followers to “do this in remembrance of me.” It is a rememberance meal, Eucharist, sacred thanksgiving, and remembering Jesus. It’s a celebration, Lord’s Supper, gathering for meal with fellow believers. It is a promise, Communion, indeed, future hope in Christ Jesus is assured in a great banquet in God’s eternal kingdom. So, we come to the table as faithful disciples sustained and strengthened by God’s grace.

Prayer

Loving God, you have given us a share of the one bread and the one cup, through communion and made us one with Christ. Help us in celebrating this sacred meal to be sustained as we bring your salvation and joy to all the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.