SEVEN預覽

TITLE: Communion

Theme: Communion and Relationship with Jesus

Song & Lyric: Communion: “How can it be? There is a table for all who would come, for all who would come. Taste now and see, there is a table for all who would come”

Scriptures:

• Revelation 3:14-22 (NIV)
• John 3:16 (NIV)

Devotional:

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” - Revelation 3:19-20 NIV

Each of the seven letters in the book of Revelation contain stern warnings, rebukes, and admonitions toward a purer faith and trust in Christ. The seventh letter to Laodicea is no exception. But this letter is unique in stating why: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.” Here, Jesus explains why His critique to His Church is important and valid—it proves His deep love for His people. The next lines are equally encouraging. Jesus stands at the door of people’s hearts awaiting invitation to their lives. His use of, “I will come in and eat with that person” not only communicates His love, but His desire to spend time with people. In other words, God not only loves, but He likes and desires communion or togetherness with His people. That is to say, God loves us and is also deeply fond of us—He wants friendship with you. What encouragement! Christ’s promise is that “anyone” who hears and opens the door will be the recipient of this great blessing. This echoes the promise found in the famous words of the book of John: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV). One of the greatest glories of the mighty love of God is that it is not for a select few or a unique type of person. Instead, His love has been lavishly offered to all, freely given without condition. This is the staggering truth of the Christian faith, and why it is good for us to prayerfully reflect: “How can it be? There is a table for all who would come, for all who would come. Taste now and see, there is a table for all who would come." Ephesians encourages us to reach out and grasp this profound truth and mystery:

“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV)

May this be our portion. Amen.