The Communion Table: Ritual or Revelation?

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The communion meal is a special event that the Lord Jesus Christ gave to us for very a special purpose. When done with understanding and appreciation, it is a spiritual experience that invites the Lord’s presence into the meeting in a very unique way. And where He is present there is no telling what can happen!

It is very disappointing to see how little is sometimes made of the communion table. It varies from a heavy religious liturgical event to an empty formality that is squeezed in at the end of the service. Some churches don’t even have communion as part of their church life. All of this robs the congregation of a rich experience in the Lord’s presence, even as they celebrate the greatest victory of Christianity. Jesus IMG_1106_Fotorlooked forward to eating this meal with His disciples, (See Luke 22:15-16) and so should we!

The Bible is a treasure trove when it comes to the communion table; it is so rich that no two communion services should ever be the same. Looking at it from a different angle every time stimulates the faith of believers, and opens their hearts to receive from the Lord according to their needs. The communion table was on God’s mind as early as the day when He killed a lamb to cover the nakedness of the first couple, and runs through Scripture to the book of Revelation.

Add to that the work that Jesus did on the cross and the inheritance that He left us, and we have reason to celebrate!

Communion is not supposed to be a sad occasion, but should instead be celebrated with joy as we come to a fresh realization of God’s love and grace towards us. The fullness of the gospel message summarized in one meal! There is simply no limit to the gems to be discovered once you begin to dig into the Word!

The communion service provides an excellent opportunity to preach the gospel to the unsaved, healing to the sick, and hope to the hopeless. It brings with it the revelation of God’s amazing love for a broken people, struggling with their imperfections and weaknesses, as God’s unconditional acceptance inspires them to reach higher in their walk with Him.

Few things open the understanding of the church as God’s family quite as well as the communion meal does. The picture is that of a family enjoying a meal together, with the Father at the head of the table. Since He is the King, omnipotent and owning everything, He provides in the needs of His beloved children as they fellowship around the table.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:7-11)

The apostle Paul writes about the family of God in great detail. Oh, that we might receive revelation of His love for His children! There will never again be a day of discouragement or defeat in the life of the Christian.

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height– to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21)

Let’s celebrate!

My book, He Prepared a Table, on the Communion Table is available on Kindle, a very handy help for both pastors and congregants. Find it here

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This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Craig Arns

    This is really good. Before I found your post, I had a vision tonight of being handed a crystal chalice of communion wine. The wine started spinning as in a whirlpool and then in my mind I heard Jesus/Holy Spirit say, ‘Drink.’ I gulped it down and asked for more. I believe your post is at least a partial interpretation of my vision. Jesus’ presence is with me to meet every need and as you said, ‘[I] will never [have] another day of discouragement or defeat.’ That is a huge promise for me as I’ve struggled with discouragement for years from believing lies. Through His mercy and kindness He recently delivered me and has shown me how to continue in freedom by taking every thought captive and by abiding in Him. He just keeps pouring more and more into me.
    Thanks for your post. It encouraged me and reminded me of the significance and supernatural power of His communion meal.

    1. Johan du Toit

      Thank you very much Craig! The communion table is very rich. God bless!

  2. P. Brown

    Been studying the Communion Table for some time now. Looking through topics like: Passover in the OT to a new command given by Jesus in the NT. From the symbolism of the cup used, to the bread given. Plus the cultural aspects of sharing meals around the table to even the seating arrangements. It’s been a fascinating, profound and extraordinary journey.
    Then, I came across your post – which added much more.
    Thank you very much ! ??

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