By Doug Redford
Following a presidential election in the United States, the new president is inaugurated in January of the following year. Inauguration involves a very simple ceremony in which the oath of office will be spoken, phrase by phrase, usually by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and then repeated by the new president. In only a few seconds, the transfer of power will be complete.
As Christians we experience our own โtransfer of powerโ when we turn from our sin in repentance and exit off the โdead-endโ path of this world to become part of the kingdom that is โnot of this world,โ as the King himself (Jesus) said (John 18:36, New International Version). In Colossians 1:13 and 14, Paul describes the transformation this way: โFor he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sinsโ (New Living Translation). That is the ultimate transfer of power, moving from the devilโs domain of fear and darkness into a world of light, governed by the Light of the world.
The term โpower lunchโ is sometimes used to describe a business meeting that takes place over a lunch, attended by the leaders and decision makers within a business. Communion may be viewed as a โpower meal,โ but with a completely different perspective on power. Our meal provides a weekly opportunity for us not to take control but to yield control to our Leader and to remind ourselves that, in spite of the enemyโs efforts to intimidate us and hinder our progress, โthe one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the worldโ (1 John 4:4, New International Version). The power of the one in us is described in Scripture as โall-surpassingโ (2 Corinthians 4:7), โincomparably greatโ (Ephesians 1:19), and โmightyโ (Ephesians 6:10). That power โhas given us everything we need for a godly lifeโ (2 Peter 1:3), even in todayโs increasingly corrupt and perverted culture.
Just as the repeating of the presidential oath of office takes only a few seconds, it takes only seconds to take the emblems of Communion and to reaffirm our loyalty to Jesus. Peterโs brief but memorable words, โYou are the Messiah, the Son of the living Godโ (Matthew 16:16) can serve as our โoath of allegiance.โ It is one we should repeat and resolve to live by every day, aided by his power.
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.
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.
