2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Esther 1:1-3:15 ESV, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 ESV, Psalm 35:17-28 ESV, Proverbs 21:19-20 ESV
Daily Verse: “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:27 ESV)
ENOCHOS (1777): “Liable to (a condition, penalty or imputation) in danger of, guilty of, subject to.”[i]
Liable to penalty.
Paul answers questions about the Lord’s Supper and its sanctity. Partaking in communion represents Jesus’s body and blood and His sacrifice for believers. People who don’t take the sacraments seriously offend God. Each person must examine their heart; the Creator already knows the condition and will act accordingly.
When you follow Jesus, you will become more self-aware. Allowing God to search your heart reveals its impurities.
Recently, during communion, the pastor prayed for the conditions of our hearts. As I bent my head to pray, I felt the rebellion within me. Anger towards someone in my life reared its ugly head. Immediately asking God for forgiveness, I recognized my sin.
Let go of guilt.
Recognizing the negative emotion allowed me to deal with it. Instead of anger controlling my actions, God’s presence made me aware of my sin. In any relationship, it takes two to tango.
“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5 ESV)
Preparing your heart to remember Jesus through communion will illuminate the log in your eye. God highlights your part in the situation with a gentle nudge. Forgiving the speck in others becomes easier when you remember God forgave the plank in yours.
Experience connection with Jesus through communion. Allow Him to search your heart and reveal the iniquities. Lay your sins at the foot of the Cross, bathe in the grace and mercy Christ offers. Let God renew your spirit as you celebrate Him.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 89) Thomas Nelson
