This Passover season was very precious to me.  I had just finished the study of the Jewish Feasts with a group of incredible young ladies (ages 8 to 12 years old).  I must tell you there are few things these eyes have seen as purely holy as watching the Father reveal Himself in vivid color to a group of innocent, seeking faces.  So as Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday approached, I had my gaze set on the observance of the sacrifice we have received.

I recently heard a powerful sermon from Pastor Bill Johnson of Bethel Church on the importance of communion.  One morning in my prayer time I read this passage:

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you. The Lord Jesus on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.  In the same way, after supper, he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

And almost immediately I heard the Lord whisper, “Do you know what I would like you to remember?” which lead me to Isaiah 53:1-9:

“He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrow.

He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him.

By His wounds, we are healed.”

Allow me to give you a simple definition of all that He secured for you and me.

Infirmity – physical or mental weakness

Sorrows – sadness

Transgression – breaking of a law or rule

Iniquity – immoral or grossly unfair behavior

He conquered death and paid for our healing and our salvation.

You see, when Jesus reminded us to “remember” when we observe communion He did not intend for us to only remember that He died, but to remember why He died.

Our great Savior, gave Himself as a sacrifice “and did not open His mouth” … to make an exchange.  He exchanged our physical and mental weakness for His strength.  He carried our sadness so that we could empty our hands of it to pick up peace and joy.  He was pierced for every time we have broken a rule and He was crushed for our grossly unfair behavior.  His wounds purchased our healing.  Remember.

Since Resurrection Sunday, I have made a commitment to observe communion regularly.  And when I do, and I take the bread, I remind myself He exchanged my weakness for His strength. He carried the things that break my heart and He hands me peace.  He was pierced for all the times I have broken a rule and declares me innocent.  He was crushed for my grossly unfair behavior and He calls me to have a quiet and gentle spirit.  His wounds bought my healing and that of my family.

I can tell you regularly tears are involved, because I am able to name specific sins and weaknesses of my own that took the hand of my Jesus and lead Him to the cross.  During one such moment, I heard the gentle whisper of the Lord, “Why do you think all of this matters to me? Now take the cup and remember.”

In the Jewish culture a young man will offer his beloved a cup of wine as a marriage proposal.  When she accepts his cup, she agrees to be his bride.  His sweet response to me, “Candy, you are mine.  You are my bride.  Remember.  I certainly haven’t forgotten.”

Please join me as we remind ourselves of why He willingly sacrificed Himself on our behalf.  Take the bread…and then receive His cup and proposal as we submit to becoming His pure and spotless Bride.  I for one want to benefit from every painful purchase He made for me. I am certain you do as well.

My love,