An Unworthy Manner (1 Corinthians 11:27-32)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:27-32

Yesterday, we looked at words that are very familiar to many of us: Do this in remembrance of Me.

Paul was specifically writing about what Jesus said when He served His disciples bread and wine just before His arrest and execution.

But shouldn’t everything we do be done out of gratitude for our Lord’s sacrifice? In several places in Paul’s gospels, he writes about grace and then asks something like, “Does the knowledge that we’re forgiven from our sins give us liberty sin again? May it never be!”

If we consider what Jesus did for us, how He suffered betrayal and denial, torture and ridicule, a horrifyingly painful death, shouldn’t we act and think and speak “in remembrance” of Him? In other words, shouldn’t the Savior of our souls be so “front of mind” that we choose to honor Him in all we do?

We are unworthy of His grace, yet God sees worth in each of us. We are, therefore, worthy in His eyes. To do anything in “an unworthy manner” (in a manner that doesn’t honor Christ) whether it’s taking communion, dealing with our children, interacting with our coworkers—even updating our Facebook status—is just like saying what Jesus did doesn’t really matter.

Oh …. And may that never be!

Our Lord and Savior (Ephesians 4:8-10)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:8-10

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, came to earth in human form. He grew up, experiencing the same things we did … happiness and sorrow, hunger and a full belly, fatigue and rest.

Through His teen years and twenties, He learned and plied the trade of His earthly father, constructing … well, we’re not exactly told what, but likely tables and shelves and bedsteads. He may have smashed a thumb or two with a hammer or felt the pain of sore muscles.

At thirty, He began His earthly ministry, and at the very first, experienced temptation by the lies of the enemy. He went on to heal lepers and blind men, cast out demons, and raise the dead to life. He grew intimate relationships with twelve chosen followers.

He taught love and warned of persecution. He claimed oneness with the Father, the Creator of all. He forgave sins.

Finally, He was betrayed by a close friend, denied by an even closer friend, and forced through a sham trial. Beaten. Ridiculed. Spat on.

Crucified. Buried. “… descended into the lower parts of the earth …”

Ah, but then He rose from the dead. Alive!

After spending time with His followers—some 500 of them—He ascended to the right hand of the Father. Where He sits today. Alive and interceding for us.

One day, He will return. He will gather all His followers to Himself. One day, He will set up an earthly kingdom, a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1), where “… God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Praise our Lord Jesus today for what He’s done and for whom He is.