August 16, 2009
EAT, DRINK AND BE TRANSFORMED
Imagine if a preacher began telling his church members that in order to be a part of his church they had to “eat his flesh and drink his blood.” I don’t think it would be long before they came to take him away – either to jail or to an asylum. Yet, this is exactly what Jesus was teaching His disciples then and is still teaching to us today:
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever” John 6:51-58
It’s was a hard truth for the disciples to swallow (forgive the pun) and it is often difficult for us to comprehend as well. Yet, each time we go up to the Lord’s Supper we eat His flesh and we drink His blood, in, with, and under, the bread and wine. In this week’s readings, we are invited to EAT, DRINK, AND BE TRANSFORMED by the living bread of Jesus Christ.
EAT, DRINK AND BE TRANSFORMED
"Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs9:6&10
"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:14-15
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-21
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him”. Psalm 34:18-22
Take a look at these passages. Read the ones surrounding them for context. What is being revealed about the Living Bread? How is God calling you, through His Word, to EAT, DRINK AND BE TRANSFORMED?
Father, Grant that we might read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest Your Word each and every day of our lives. Grant us wisdom to know and understand Your Word, and keep us hungry for the Living and Life giving Bread so that we will take every opportunity to EAT, DRINK, and BE TRANSFORMED by Your truths – in Jesus name AMEN!!
Week ending: August 16, 2009
Monday – (Old Testament)
Joshua 24:1-2a & 14-18
Proverbs 9:1-10
READ
Tuesday – Psalm 34:12-22
MARK
Wednesday –(Epistle)
Ephesians 5:6-21
LEARN
Thursday – (Gospel)
John 6:51-69
INWARDLY DIGEST
Friday –ARE YOU HUNGRY? EAT, DRINK, AND BE TRANSFORMED!!!
Saturday – SHARE the bread of life with someone who is hungry.
Sunday – Speak to one another with songs, hymns, and spiritual psalms, sing and make music in Your hearts to the Lord
