For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Cor. 11:26)
ROAD TRIPS WITH MY HUSBAND are always an adventure, and all the more since he downloaded an app for his smartphone to help us discover out-of-the-way cafes and off-the-beaten-path landmarks. We delight in our time together, discovering new things. I really don’t like to imagine, however, how miserable a road trip might be if we didn’t have a good navigational system, since neither one of us likes to ask for directions. If I’m perfectly honest, we rather take pride in being able to rely on ourselves.
Sadly, self-reliance can happen beyond road trips. As Christians, we can fall into the trap of striving for independence from God. We might sing praises to Him and even call out for help in dire situations, but often we avoid asking for directions on a daily basis. We prefer to figure it out on our own.
Maybe that’s why Jesus gave us the sacrament of Communion, telling us to remember His death on a regular basis. At first glance it may seem morbid to focus on the body and blood of our crucified Lord; but upon further reflection we realize that what Christ wants us to remember is our need for Him. Participating in the Lord’s Supper humbles us before Him as we acknowledge we can do nothing without Him. No app can replace worshiping at the foot of the cross.
Take Communion, and let it serve as a reminder of your dependence on Christ.
Heather Gemmen Wilson is a bestselling author and international speaker. She is married to a Wesleyan pastor, and together they have six children. She is also author of the preteen Lydia Barnes series (WPH).
