Fellowship at the Table

A theological point, and an encouraging one, about fellowship and the Lord’s Supper.

Theological.  When I adapt 1 Cor 10:16 and say the bread we break is the communion of the body of Christ; that word communion is synonymous with fellowship.  Koinonia.  We are sharing in, taking part in, the body and blood of Jesus.  The theological point there is this.  Not to figure out the metaphysics of how we can partake of the body of Christ.  But that we have a share in Him.  With the sulfur and brimstone of God’s wrath pouring down around us, we have a part in the only effective umbrella – the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  Part of the umbrella is for you.  You have a seat reserved for you in the shade from the blistering sunburn of God's punishment.  You have fellowship in Christ.

The encouraging point

John 14:23 - If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

Rev 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Family dinner time is less common at home these days.  So is Church meal time.  One important way we share life together is eating together.  Jesus ate the Passover with his disciples in the Upper Room, and established this sacrament there.  Although God is holy and we are not, He has made a way back to Him.  We no longer need to stand trembling in His presence, as the high priest did on the day of atonement.  The final atonement has been made.  We can sit and eat in His presence.  It is astounding, really, the fellowship God has given us.  

Eating slows you down, you have time to think about the person across the table from you.  It’s very intimate to let someone else watch you eat, watch how you treat your family while they eat.  We have close fellowship with Jesus.  We are His friends, not just His servants.  Christ is our older brother, even.

So let us take heart.  Though our hearts condemn us, and our faith can falter, God receives you, right into His home, His dining room, to sit with His Son, to have His Spirit live in your heart.  What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms!

Receive and rest on Christ alone today.

8/17/14