In the New T
estament, Jesus adds his own sacrifice to the list of God’s saving deeds; asking us to reconsider often the cost of redemption — of buying back what had been stolen — in an act we call communion. “Remember me,” he said. So, each time we share the cup and break the bread, we borrow from the past something for the future, just like the ancient Hebrews were instructed to do with their deliverance from slavery, or the flood, or the armies bearing down on them. We remember Jesus was broken so we could be bought back from the legacy of sin: sickness, pain, suffering, war, anger, wrath, death. We remember that, as God’s good creation, he considered men and women to be treasure hidden in a field, treasure so valuable it was worth any price to buy that field. That is why, although a holy moment, it needn’t be a sober one. Every communion is a celebration of the end of the things we fear most. And not just that – a celebration of the beginning of the things we need most: a fresh start, forgiveness, hope, an emptying of self and a filling of the Spirit as we ask, a reminder that whatever we are currently worrying about is not the end of the story; a testimony that we were worth it.
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” — Jesus, Matt. 13:44
Remembering is a way of backing into the future, and the communion table is a powerful picture of the people of God backing into the future while they keep God and God’s faithfulness at the center of their attention. This isn’t the same as denying your future is looking rough – it’s a way of getting out of the boat into rough water while keeping your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and the long story of God’s salvation history.
I love the picture Eugene Peterson paints for this kind of God-focused-life: This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. (Romans 8:15-16 MSG.)
Do you need to borrow hope for today like I do? Let’s go together to our treasure box of God’s faithfulness for a down payment on today; then, let’s get on with the adventure.
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