POURED OUT

By Doug Redford

The Old Testament records an incident when a garrison of Philistine soldiers was positioned at Bethlehem, which was David’s hometown. At one point, David expressed a longing for some water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem. Three of his mighty warriors courageously broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from that well, and carried it back to David. But David would not drink it; instead, he “poured it out before the Lord” (2 Samuel 23:16). He saw in that container of water “the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives” (v. 17). David believed he was demeaning their sacrifice by gaining momentary pleasure from an action that could have cost some of his best fighting men their lives.  

Whenever we take Communion, we have before us symbols of a sacrifice. We see more than a piece of bread; we see Jesus crucified, the one who “bore our sins in his body” (1 Peter 2:24). We see more than juice in the cup; we see Jesus’ blood, “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”—words spoken by Jesus when he instituted Communion with his disciples (Matthew 26:28). We see grace “poured out” in abundance (1 Timothy 1:14) along with the Holy Spirit “poured out on us generously” (Titus 3:5, 6). We see someone who broke through the enemy’s (Satan’s) stronghold and “ties up the strong man” (Matthew 12:29) so that those he held captive can be set free. We see ourselves as those no longer in bondage to sin. 

But we do not demean Jesus’ sacrifice by eating and drinking the symbols of Communion; we honor him as he commanded us to do: “in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24). We then “pour out” our lives in service as the “living sacrifices” described by Paul in Romans 12:1. Paul himself spoke of his life as a “drink offering” poured out to the Lord (Philippians 2:17), and then used that same language as he neared the martyr’s death through which he would pass from this life into eternity (2 Timothy 4:6). 

Not everyone will pour out his or her life to the degree Paul did. But Jesus assures us that even the cup of cold water given in his name will be rewarded (Matthew 10:42). What has been poured into our lives is meant to overflow into the lives of others.  

Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities come. 

Author: Doug Redford

Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities arise.