Christian Writers Circle

Freedom to Commune with God
by Brenda D. Flowers

   On Easter (or Resurrection Sunday as I like to say),  I participated in a joyous worship service at a large church in middle Tennessee. During the service, the pastor led the congregation into worship with these wonderful true words, “Jesus is risen.”

Many in the crowd along with me responded, “He is risen indeed!”

  I thought about how Christians all over the world were announcing this good news. I prayed the sound of our declarations would touch many people who had not yet experienced new life in Christ.

As I prayed, I recalled times when I had said those words but did not fully grasp what Jesus accomplished for me.

My thoughts were redirected as I heard the pastor lead us to prepare ourselves for “Communion”. We took time to examine our hearts as we prayed the Lord’s Prayer.

The pastor then shared words from the gospels of Matthew and Luke, elaborating on the events of that first “Lord’s Supper”:

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”  (Matthew 26: 26-29, NKJV)

 “…do this in remembrance of Me.”(Luke 22:19c, NKJV)

As I listened to these words, I thought about how Jesus wanted His disciples to realize He was the Way to communion with God. Jesus’ words explained the purpose of His broken body and shed blood, pointing to His death on the cross.

Jesus wanted His disciples to follow Him, using the bread and wine as emblems of remembrance. This intimate fellowship dinner was instituted by Jesus so that the Good News of His Kingdom would be carried forth.

I love how Holy Spirit inspired the writer of Hebrews to explain this beautiful truth:

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.(Hebrews 10:19-23, NKJV. Good to read all of Hebrews 10)

I am thankful for the freedom to commune with God.

Prayer:

Lord, open the eyes of our hearts to see and understand Your Word by Your Spirit. Help us grasp what You accomplished Jesus when You came to earth in a human body, lived a sinless life, taught us how to live, died for our redemption and rose in glory.

Thank You for freedom to commune with You. Help us to always remember Your great sacrifice, Jesus. Amen.