Because He Lives
by Stuart Malkin 7 April 2024
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Reading Luke 22 v14 to 20
When the hour came, Jesus took His place at the table with His apostles. He said to them “I have so much to eat this Passover meal before I suffer for I tell you I will never eat it until it is given it’s full meaning in the Kingdom of God.” Then Jesus took a cup, gave thanks to God and said “Take this and share it amongst yourselves. I tell you that from now on I will not drink this wine until the Kingdom of God comes.”
Then He took a piece of bread, gave thanks to God, broke it and gave it to them saying “This is my body which is given for you, do this in memory of me”. In the same way He gave them the cup after the supper saying, “This cup is God’s new covenant sealed with my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Do your parents or grandparents have odd sayings that from time to time you find yourself using? My grandmother left home in Tamworth in the 1920’s and went to work in Yorkshire. Whilst there she had an accident and finished up in hospital. Apparently she was worried about the operation and an old lady turned to her and said “ You will be alright my dear with the help of the Lord and two policemen “. We never really understood this, especially as my grandmother was one who led me to trust in the Lord Jesus with all of life’s ups and downs.
Moving on many years when I met Ann, my wife. I knew that she had a major heart operation several years before. She recalls thinking of the words of the song that we started with today.
We don’t always know why words come to us at an appropriate moment but they do, and sometimes they last a lifetime. Thank God for that!
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Because he lives I can face tomorrow
The reading reminds us of how Christ had that special meal with his disciples a time we now call communion. I am sure the men sitting around the table would not forget this meal as Jesus was precise in what he had to say. There were six words that stand out.
Do this in remember and of me.
There are many things that the disciples failed to do in their short time with Jesus. May I suggest we are the same, failing perhaps to pray for others, or not devoting time to read the bible for strength or even carry out physical activities in strength for others.
When Jesus spoke those six words, yes he wanted the disciples to remember that meal but also what they could do in all that was ahead of them.
What a challenge!
It is in knowing that Christ lives that those challenges can be overcome! This world can overcome everything in the power of God, which many neither understand nor want to. The Christian has the joy of knowing God’s power and a certain future.
Prayer
The Lord Bless you and keep you for ever and ever in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen