On Shabbat, once again our family sat in a row in our congregation-just as we have done ever since we began attending this fellowship of believers. As is our custom every Shabbat, we partook of the bread (matza) and the wine, remembering the Lord's sacrifice.
The single sheet of matza, held up before it is broken, always reminds me of his sacrifice that gives me a clean page. I remember once again that he, the Lamb of God, gave his life to cleanse me from all my sins. I see myself as the head of my family, in the house of the Lord, putting my hands on the head of the sheep brought for the slaughter.
The shattered and broken pieces of the matza remind me that I am part of the body of Jesus-the body of believers, followers of Jesus seated all around me, gathering in different types of congregations in our land, meeting in churches in our neighboring countries and in countries all round his precious globe.
The cup of wine never fails to remind me of his blood poured out for my sin. It is cleansing blood. It is the expression of the extent of his love and how much he values me. And it is this love that leads me to repentance. As I sit there with my family nearby, I am aware (although I cannot fully comprehend) that as the head of the family, my act in faith is also extending to them. Possibly in a similar way to how my sins (however private I think they may be) adversely impact those around me.
As I take the cup I am also conscious of the joy wine brings and represents; it symbolizes death and new life, joy and resurrection.
Both the matza and the wine give sustenance and strength when we consume them. When we eat and drink, we internalize who Jesus is and all he has accomplished through the cross in his love for us. This is a spiritual feast for the believer, giving essential spiritual nourishment. It is a supper!
- 5 APRIL -