By Stuart Powell
There are two days that define every person’s life. The first is the day of conception, when a new life is sparked and another image bearer begins their journey to meet God. That day harkens back to the highlight of God’s creative efforts. The second day is when physical death fulfills the curse that accompanied sin’s impact on every human.
These two days have defined too many people throughout history, but these limits are not what God desired for humanity.
In his infinite love, God prepared a third day that is available to every person. The third day occurs when a condemned sinner embraces the gift of Jesus’ pardon. It begins when a person comes in contact with God’s gift of salvation. The pivotal transformation that occurs, when a person changes the direction of their life, is unique to every Christian. On the third day, God exchanges assured judgment for unending mercy.
Paul explained the effects of that third day.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-19).
At Communion, we remember Jesus’ life from conception to crucifixion. The bread reminds us of his body that was nailed to a cross. The cup reminds us that he willingly surrendered his blood on Calvary to wash all believers clean.
And we also may think back to our third day, when we accepted the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice and committed to laying down our life for him.
Give thanks to God for all three days as you eat this bread and drink from this cup.
Stuart Powell lives outside of Terre Haute, Indiana, where he serves with the North Side Christian Church.
Author: Stuart Powell
Stuart Powell lives outside of Terre Haute, Indiana, where he serves with the North Side Christian Church.
