Our communion and coffee tray
We “did church” at home again yesterday, our new norm for Sundays. We even took communion with ordinary bread and an ordinary cup, temporarily made holy (set apart, dedicated) for the purpose. It was a surprisingly sweet and intimate moment. And as we did…
I couldn’t help but think of the ancient Israelites who, after being taken into captivity by the Babylonians, were forced to worship their God and celebrate Passover in secret in their homes.
In fact, it was in captivity that they learned to trust Him as never before. We’ve all been taken captive these days by the coronavirus pandemic. And many are learning to worship and trust their Creator as never before.
It’s nothing new, after all. We’ve lived through a far greater plague, and a much longer-lasting captivity. In fact, this very week, traditionally called Holy Week, we commemorate the moment our Creator reached down into our place of isolation, and through his Son, the Messiah, broke the bonds that separate us from Him. He freed us and continues to free us, if we will, from our captivity to sin and brokenness. Yes, it’s true that not everyone believes, but everyone has experienced the result of this greatest of all plagues: our shattered humanity.
Are there lions or fiery furnaces yet to face? Perhaps, but we’ll meet them with faith, knowing we’ve already been set free.
And soon we will return Home.
Thank you, once again. And once again, Amen! Does your church have a Maundy Thursday service?
Normally a very tactile one, yes. Not sure how they’ll handle it this year.
We’re supposed to have basin, towel and Communion elements prepared.
Sounds like a great idea, Gail. We may just do that, even if our church doesn’t implement it online.
Amen. You’re right… there really is something unexpectedly “sweet and intimate” about worship at home.
Thanks, Russ. P.S. I just added a short middle paragraph you may like. Have a blessed week.
My favorite part of this post is the last sentence: “And soon we will return Home.” Yaaay! Hallelujah!
This was a very special experience
Beautiful! We also did communion at home on Sunday. Very meaningful.
Thanks for posting 🙂
Love the analogy. 🙂
My Muslim converts to Christ have had to do this for years. Fearing for heir lives, every Sunday they lock their doors, whisper their songs, take the Lord’s Supper, read a scripture from a flash drive normally hidden in their yard because it is illegal to own a Bible, and pray that some day they will be able to find other Christians to worship with. Their neighbors may be Christians but they do not know it because their neighbors, too, are worshiping in secret fearing for their own lives. They are my heroes.
What a great example, Katheryn! I can see why they are your heroes.
Mine, too, Katheryn. I’ve heard of some who in an emergency swallowed the flash drive to keep it from being discovered.
Thanks for the smile
💕🕯🎇
Amen. I’m more thankful for my blogging family in these days of isolation.
Me too, Bill.
We didn’t have any bread in the house, so I’m hoping a bit pancake was acceptable …
With syrup for “wine”? ;>) I don’t think God focuses too much on our choice (or availability) of elements.
Well, orange juice became the wine. 😉
Amen
Beautiful.
“In fact, it was in captivity that they learned to trust Him as never before.”
This is my prayer.
Though this crisis has caused much disruption to the ‘norm’, there is an opportunity for everyone to SLOW DOWN and reflect on their lives. Questions can be thoughtfully examined and answered without the rush of outside interests pulling at our minds.
I am content to look to God and renew my trust in Him during this tough time. He always provides and always will.
RIGHT ON!
In these times of uncertainty, there are many lessons to be learned. I have worshipped in captivity for a number of years. The beauty of it all is that the church has become where I stand. Great post.
Thanks, JW.
You are welcome.