1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NRSV)
Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 on biblegateway.com
Verse 23For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, Verse 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Verse 25In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." Verse 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
Devotion
Many of us turn in the newspaper to obituaries, and more so the older we get. We read the official announcement of each death, looking to see if it’s someone we know, a death that would have some particular meaning for us. Sometimes we are shocked; sometimes we have expected such an announcement. We might even find ourselves named in the will of one of these people. Paul tells us that we announce Jesus’ death each time we come to the table, and we announce the significance of that death for each one who hears. He has written his will and testament in bread and wine, telling us what we are to receive when he dies, the gift of himself, of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Until the day he returns, we get to experience that will being opened again and again, and receive those gifts once more.
Prayer
Loving God, we hunger for your love. Feed us once again with bread and wine and your powerful Word. Build a sturdy faith in our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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