26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
The gathering and partaking of communion is part of the proclamation of the Gospel. It is about remembering, but also about looking forward. We need to remember His death as we look forward to His return. We live in an “in between” time. Everything has already been done for our salvation, but we wait for the lion’s share to be shown. We enjoy the down payment even as we wait for the fullness to arrive. When we gather as a body and take communion we are broadcasting the reality of His death and resurrection. Our corporate life in the church is not only about what happens inside the walls. Our gathering also makes a powerful statement to those outside the walls. Jesus died, but He rose from the dead, and is going to return to this earth. It is not simply the past that we celebrate. We look forward to a future when Jesus will rule in righteousness and justice here on this earth. He is coming back! Tears will be wiped from our faces. Comfort will be the order of the day. So next time you meet and celebrate communion together, recognize that we are telling ourselves and the world a great message. Jesus is coming again. His story is not yet complete. He is not through with His plan. There are more chapters to be written that will line up with what has already been written. The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse of these events, but only a glimpse. We are proclaiming His glorious return. Eat the bread and drink the cup! Proclaim His glory.
The Arnold Journey 