How to approach Communion
Key Verses: 3, 11, 21, 23-24, 26, 30
There are some cultural references that don’t seem to make sense to us as we read these verses. This application of dress and correctness fit with their culture, but not with ours. We generally don’t wear headgear as a way to demonstrate our relationship to God and to others. Remember a few months ago the news about the young man who was wearing a “hoodie” when he was killed. The “hoodie” was viewed by some as a sign of rebellion and by others as a sign of solidarity. But a “hoodie” is just a hooded sweatshirt. In and of itself, it has no meaning.
The point Paul is making is that there are signs of rebellion against God that are understood in a culture. We should be aware of those rebellious signs and not be in rebellion against God. Husbands and wives have different roles in a relationship, complementary roles. They might be configured differently in different marriages, but those roles are different. When one person rebels against their role, they are in rebellion against not only their spouse, but against God. What we do in our earthly relationships affects our heavenly relationship.
The Corinthian believers misunderstood some basic principles about being a Jesus-follower. They missed that we are all in this together, that when one has a need, we who have resources have a responsibility to meet that need. When they came together for their fellowship meal which included communion, some pigged out and others were hungry. They missed their connection to each other. They ignored the needs.
Our times of fellowship, including communion are a time of celebration and proclamation. We celebrate the freedom we experience in Christ, the freedom to not sin and the freedom to obey. But we also proclaim a unity that is only possible in Christ. Red and yellow, black and white, we are precious in His sight…. In Christ all the old barriers are broken down. Prejudice has no place in the Body. This is one place where rich and poor can come and compassion can reign. No free handouts, because laziness isn’t present, and no shaming or superior attitude is shown. God’s grace gives us all a proper perspective on our positions in life.
Christ changes our priorities. Are you willing to let Him change yours?
The Arnold Journey 