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Published: 31 May 2013

The making and displaying of signs is a multi-million dollar business around the globe.  Virtually everywhere you go there are signs...primitive and complex.  Signs and symbols give direction, warning, advice and help.  This week we'll be participating together in a sign that Jesus gave the church.  It is a very simple sign using the common elements of "food and beverage."  In this case it is crackers and juice.  The bread and wine that Jesus used at the Last Supper were symbols of His body and blood.  He, the Son of God, took on flesh to both reveal ultimate humanity and take the ultimate penalty.  He shed His blood, He gave His life, He died to demonstrate His love and to be both Just and Justifier to those He made in His image.  The sign/symbol that we call the Lord's Supper or Communion is referred to by many churches as the Eucharist.  This word means "giving thanks." It reminds us of what Jesus did when He took the bread and cup, "He blessed it" or "He gave thanks."  We give thanks as well for this sign because this sign points to the greater reality of who Jesus is and what He has done.  But, this is a sign that we eat.  Usually we look at a sign and eat what is advertized, in this case we look at the sign and eat it!  Why?  There are a number of reasons but two stand out in my thinking today.  1) It reminds us that we are in present union with Jesus.  He is in us and we are in Him, we are as close to one another as the food we eat.  Food is assimilated into our bodies...you can't get much closer than that!  2) We are nourished by Jesus and our life is found in Him and lived through Him.  In another metaphor in John 15, He said, "Without Me, you can do nothing."  This beautiful, simple sign that reminds us of Jesus is rich with meaning.  I hope you'll join us this week "in remembrance of Him."

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Published: 24 May 2013

Having grandchildren has reminded me how often help is really needed for a child.  I often hear, "Papa, help!"  There are stairs to fall down and counters to climb on and food packages that cannot be opened and TV remotes that are confusing.  I need help too.  I cry out to God for grace, for love, for forgiveness, for strength, for protection, for wisdom, for peace and for many other things.  Does this make me a "weanie?"  We have heard many times that "God helps those who help themselves" and while that is not a Bible verse there is some truth to the idea.  We certainly have great capacity and ability as image bearers of God.  On the other hand, we are weak and frail.  We are needy.  We are not strong and mighty, in fact the Father pities us as children because He knows that our frame is made of dust.  PERMISSION TO BE HUMAN GRANTED!  Jesus taught us how to pray and part of that instruction is the regular reminder that we are dependent beings in need of daily provision, merciful pardon and lots of protection!  It's a dangerous world out there and trying to "go it alone" is silly when we have an all wise, all powerful and everywhere present Father who is ready for our requests for help.  Learning to pray like Jesus prayed is learning to recognize our dependence.  Cat Stevens sang back in the 70's that it was a wild world and that it's very hard to get by with just a smile.  True.  Cat left out the fact that in addition to it being a wild world, it is our Father's world.  And, in proper relationship with Him, it is (as Dallas Willard once wrote) a perfectly safe universe.  Will you pray like Jesus taught us to pray?