By Daniel Schantz
“The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David . . .” (1 Samuel 18:1).
The word communion means “to share” or “to have something in common.” Although it is more than just a feeling, the feeling is rather nice.
Communion is what you feel the first time you fall in love, and she loves you back. You can almost read her mind, and when she goes away, your heart breaks.
Communion is what you feel in the middle of the night when your wife is trembling from a nightmare and, gently, you wake her from it. She thanks you with a hug for saving her from the terrors of the nighttime.
Communion is what you feel when you are really, really down, and a friend drops by for a visit. For two hours you trade woes, and when you are done, you are both laughing like schoolkids, and the world looks bright.
Communion is what you feel when you are striding down the walking trail with God”s sun on your face, the wind in your hair, and the birds cheering you on.
Communion is what you feel at the funeral of a godly friend. You are relieved that his sufferings are over, and you feel that if he is in Heaven, then Heaven will be a pretty nice place to be.
Communion is what you feel when you have had a brutal war of words with your husband, and it was entirely your fault, but he puts his arms around you and says, “I”m sorry, it was all my fault.”
Communion is what you feel when a neighbor calls to say, “We lost our son in the war,” and you lost your own son in the war last year.
And communion is what you feel when you are sitting in church, feeling lower than a lizard because of careless and stupid choices you made when confronted by terrible temptations.
Suddenly the worship team begins to sing, “Lord Jesus I long to be perfectly whole. I want thee forever to live in my soul. Break down every idol, cast out every foe, now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.”
Reluctantly you reach for the unleavened bread, wondering if God can really forgive you yet again. You rinse the bread down with the blood of the vine, and your eyes are moist with relief. You can almost hear your Savior say, “It”s OK, I understand. I was tempted too, remember? And I overcame temptation just so I could help you in times like this. I forgive you for everything, and I”m giving you a new, unspoiled week. Call on me whenever things get tough.”
Daniel D. Schantz is professor emeritus with Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, Missouri.
Author: Christian Standard
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