In the small church that I grew up in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 was often read just before we took
communion. As we do at Northside, this
sacred ritual was something we did every week in that fellowship, so growing up
I heard this passage what seemed like a billion times and could probably come
close to quoting it word for word. Like with
anything, familiarity can actually breed a little contempt. In other words, because communion was
something we always did and because this was one of the main passages that was
always read, it began to lose some of its significance and power in my
communion experience. Now, let me also
say that my lack of spiritual maturity probably contributed greatly to this
problem.
I was reading Eugene Peterson’s take on this passage and he
translates verse 26 thusly:
What you must solemnly realize is that every time you eat this
bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and actions
the death of the Master. You will be drawn back to this meal again and again
until the Master returns. You must never let familiarity breed contempt. 1 Corinthians
11:26 (MSG)
Today, as a pastor, I’m in a fairly unique position when it comes
to the Lord’s Supper. Because we have
three worship services every weekend, I have the opportunity to take communion
three times every Sunday. Once again,
this could put me in a position where I could allow familiarity to breed
contempt. My mind can start wandering…
“I wonder how they are reacting to the sermon?”
“Should I change it up a bit for this next service?”
“Hope we’re having
something good for lunch today… I’m starving.”
“Is it possible that the Texans will win today? No, probably not!”
And there can be times when my thoughts drift toward much heavier
matters and away from the intention of communion: A situation of conflict or of
sin that I’ve become aware of and will need to deal with; A biting statement
that someone made or an email that twisted me in the wrong direction. And the very thing I should be doing is
turning all of that over to Jesus.
Do you ever struggle with this?
Be honest.
Paul gives us the title “The Lord’s Supper.” It is His meal. It is His table. And every time I’m invited to the dinner
table of Jesus I need to remember that it is His supper. He wants to share not just some food with me
but He wants to share Himself with me. And
He wants me fully present.
How rude is it to show up for dinner with someone then totally
ignore them the whole time?
I love having dinner with family and good friends. Amazing things often happen over food with
people that you love and care for and know at their best and at their worst. The conversation isn’t staged or planned or
set by a particular agenda. It is free,
it is flowing and it is almost always memorable. One minute you may be laughing with
incredible joy over something someone said and the next you are close to tears
because of the incredible vulnerability of real sharing that is taking
place.
So I’m thinking one of the best ways to avoid that whole
“contemptible familiarity thing” is to remember that we are having dinner with
the person who knows us best and loves us most.
As Brennan Manning says, he not only loves me but he likes me! He wants to spend some meaningful time
reminding me of that love, refreshing my spirit and giving me the strength to
stay committed to a life of serving him.
We need to be around the Lord’s Table each week because He is
there and He wants to share some meaningful moments with us. We must come to the table prepared to spend real quality time with Jesus.
-David
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