Renowned commentator, Matthew Henry said, when we take communion “we feast on the sacrificed body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. And to eat of the feast is to partake of the sacrifice, and so to be his guests to whom the sacrifice was offered, and this in token of friendship with him. To partake of the Lord's table is to profess ourselves his guests and covenant people. This is the very purpose and intention of this symbolical eating and drinking; it is holding communion with God, and partaking of those privileges, and professing ourselves under those obligations, which result from the death and sacrifice of Christ.”
Henry's insight encourages me to compare the Lord's table with King David's table as noted in 2 Samuel chapter 9. In this chapter we see David symbolic of God, Johnathan a type of Christ and Mephibosheth a picture of the saints of God.
In the chapter David asked if there was someone of Saul's house he could show kindness to for Johnathan's sake. And they found Mephibosheth (Johnathan's son), David the king invited Mephibosheth to eat at his table as one of his own sons, continually. Not only did the king provide daily sustenance but restored unto him Saul's estate. Saul's estate included his palace in Gibeah and the surrounding land.
Because of Jesus Christ God accepts us and provides our daily needs (continually). The inheritance and privileges Adam and Eve lost have been restored unto us. It is during our time of communion with God (partaking of the bread and wine) that we continually ratify the blessings of the New Covenant. Google says, ratify means "to sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid. synonyms: confirm, approve, sanction, endorse, agree to, accept, uphold, authorize, formalize, validate, recognize; sign "
Yes, it is during communion whether alone with God or in a service with others that we agree, accept, uphold,authorize and give formal consent to the radical benefits of Christ's death on the cross for us! In Luke 22:19-20, Christ said, "This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
Because Jesus shed His blood for us we have been reconciled to God and "therefore we are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; Ephesians 2:19.
Members' of God's household? Imagine what God's house is like. When you are a member of the house, you have access to what's in the house!
Paul said in, 1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Note he said, “as oft as ye drink,” that is, we have permission to take communion/proclaim the Lords death (1 Corinthians 11:26) as often as we want or need to!
This ceremony is for our benefit. Participating in the ceremony will increase our faith as we recognize our position and relationship with God. Because, "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32
Are you experiencing the benefits of Salvation as you desire? Taking communion on a regular basis will help you draw near God and realize the benefits of Salvation as you've never seen them before.
Will you join me now as I Proclaim the Lord’s death by taking communion?
