Last Supper 5

2 Peter 1:3-4

The fear of public speaking is one of the most powerful of all fears. It is a frightening idea to think of standing up in front of other people and presenting information. It is especially daunting if you are called to give a message in church, because the importance of what is being said is far greater.

When I am talking to anyone new to preaching, and sometimes when I am dealing with my own anxieties over preaching, I simply point out that those who preach are never alone. The Holy Spirit is present with you as you speak. God is moving to help in that moment.

The same is true of our life of faith. We may feel that we are unable to be the type of Christian we are called to be and the celebration of Communion can make us feel even more unworthy as we confront our own sins and our own inabilities. But Peter has a message for those who believe.

What does Jesus give to us? What does this gift enable us to do?

As we take part in Communion we are taking part in a moment of invitation. We are both invited to come before God to be forgiven and to accept Christ as our Savior, and to invite the Spirit of God, through Jesus, to live within us. Christ’s presence in us gives us the ability to live a life of godliness. It is through knowing who Jesus really is that we are able to be holy and good in our living.

By accepting the sacrifice of Jesus and the presence of his Spirit in the ritual of Communion we accept the promises of eternal life and the promises of the ability to be holy. With Christ present with us we can avoid the temptations of sinfulness and the corruption that surrounds us in the world.

We must remember the words of Jesus as he instituted the act of Communion. He said, “This is my body given for you.” The cup represents his blood poured out for you. You are the person that Jesus died for. You are the person who can receive his grace and power.

Knowing that you are the center of this act, the one who receives Christ’s presence, can make you able to be strong in your faith.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you remember that Jesus is with you during Communion and after the celebration as well?