This past weekend, I mentioned in the sermon that the New Covenant shows us that, through faith in Christ, there is hope and that the New Covenant is not based on performance but on promise – the pure promise of God Almighty. Have you ever really thought about that before?
I know I find that fact to be extremely freeing! I shudder to think if God was to base His relationship with me on my performance. I would fail miserably. In fact, we would ALL fail if it were not for God’s generous and undeserving gift of grace that He gives so generously to all who wish to receive it. What a gift we have been given!
When I come forward for Holy Communion, I always envision myself carrying a heavy backpack full of lots of heavy rocks. Each rock represents those things in my life that are weighing me down – it may be regrets for things I’ve done or have not done, along with any hurts, grief or illnesses that I may be faced with at the time. I come to the Table with heaviness in my heart and on my soul that only Jesus can remove from me. And I leave the Table refreshed and with a peace that only Christ can bestow on me. I’m washed clean and the burdens that I was carrying are now gone – they’ve been given to Jesus to carry.
Last week we were encouraged to come to the Table to be fed, to receive the real presence of Jesus the Christ. Did you go to the Table? Jesus is always inviting you and me to His Feast every week. Why not dine with Jesus every week? Come, eat and receive!
Below is one of my favorite songs called “Carried to the Table.” It reminds me of how much God loves us and how we are all literally “carried” to the Table of God’s grace.
Pax,
Pastor Carol
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