A New Passion for the Eucharist

January 3, 2010 [Monday],

          If I could accomplish one thing this year, as far as the Body of Christ is concerned, it would be to stir a renewed passion, actually a new passion, for the Bread and Wine of the Eucharist. From what I hear, most churches offer the Bread and Wine, at best, only once a quarter, and many, even less often than that. Obviously, this communicates to the congregants that the Eucharist is not a very important part of worship—a very sad testimony, indeed.

          The reason I most often hear for pastors not giving the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper, its proper place of significance is this: It is a matter of time. We, simply, don’t have enough time in our service to incorporate the “supper” any more frequently than we do.

          To that response, I have these questions: How frequently do you receive the offering, and how much time does it take? How frequently do you sing songs, and how much time is spent doing it? How often does the pastor preach, and how much time does he spend doing it? How often do you sing a “hymn of invitation” and how long does that take? You see, we have time for what we think is important, and, obviously, most churches believe that receiving an offering, singing songs, having the preacher preach, and singing “hymns of invitation” are much more important than celebrating the Eucharist.

          I must say this: After 31+ years in the ministry, and 63+ years as a Christian, I have never heard even one sermon, and I have heard some good ones, that can compare with the power of the message of the Eucharist. The truth is this: most churches would fare much better, if the preacher would simply sit quietly, and allow the Bread and Wine to preach. Just so you know, I include myself in that comment; however, I should tell you that we celebrate the Lord’s Supper every Sunday, and we do so because it takes precedence over everything else, including receiving the offering, even my preaching.

          Just for the record: Sunday after Sunday, the most powerful time of our services, the time when He shows up and stirs the hearts of His people, happens around the Bread and Wine of the Eucharist. It is truly The Table of the New Covenant.

          I am trusting that we will be able to look back on 2011 and say, “That was the year when the Holy Spirit stirred a new passion in my heart for the Bread and Wine of the New Covenant—The Holy Eucharist.

PS: I would really appreciate your comments about this. 

         

"This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent" (John 6:29 NASB).