Day 231: Properly Prepared

Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:28

Central Thought: Looking within ourselves is an integral part of the Lord’s Supper.

This section of 1 Corinthians 11 is often read during a typical communion service as we reflect on the meaning of the breaking of Christ’s body on the Cross and the sacrifice of His blood. But how much thought do we put into self-examination? As Paul corrected the Corinthian church in their errors regarding the Lord’s Supper, he included this verse on self-examination.

We should give the same solemn consideration to our lives in the context of Christ’s sacrifice that we do to the sacraments with which we remember Christ’s body and blood. Are our actions a reflection of God’s heart? What about our attitudes? How do we measure up to the standards God has established?

A true self-examination will lead us to realize our shortcomings, our misplaced priorities, and, possibly, even what we would consider our unworthiness to participate in the Lord’s Supper. Yet, those same feelings also should lead us to repentance and the understanding that God has invited us to share in this reverent occasion because He has made us worthy.

With consideration of Christ’s sacrifice, with our hearts humbled, and with the worthiness of an invited participant, our attitudes are properly aligned to celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

Devotional Prayer: Lord, thank You for establishing the practice of celebrating Your sacrifice on the Cross. May my heart hold the proper reverence and devotion each time I participate in communion.

Today’s Bible Reading: Esther 1:1-3:15; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 21:19-20