By Doug Redford
Communion as GPS: Reorienting Misguided Hearts to Jesus’ Mission
Doug Redford reflects on Martin Luther King Jr.’s warning that “scientific power has outrun our spiritual power,” contrasting guided technology with misguided hearts. Using Psalm 20:7 and Luke 22, he describes Communion as a weekly “GPS” that keeps believers spiritually oriented to Jesus’ fulfilled mission and promised return.
Key Takeaways:
- Communion as GPS helps re-center our trust where it belongs: in the Lord, not human strength (Psalm 20:7).
- Even the disciples could be “misguided” as Jesus moved toward his mission (Luke 22:24, 37).
- Communion reminds us Christ’s sacrifice is fulfilled—and another stage awaits as we look for his return.
Among the writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is one entitled Strength to Love, published in 1963. In that book, Dr. King made the following observation: “Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.” Of course, in the years since Dr. King wrote those words, missiles have become far more advanced and accurate in their ability to detect and destroy designated targets. At the same time, humanity has become more misguided in its understanding of right and wrong.
King David expressed a similar concern that God’s people Israel not become guilty of a misguided trust, though his world was many years removed from guided missiles. He wrote, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7, New International Version).
Think about our contemporary culture. Our “scientific power,” including advances in a number of fields of study, is impressive. We have made significant progress in medicine, communication, and technology, to give just a few examples. Look at all the advances in travel that provide us with assistance in reaching a given destination, such as the easily accessible GPS (Global Positioning System). Yet we have regressed morally and spiritually; as previously noted, we are more misguided and directionless than we have ever been.
Being misguided can happen in other ways. Consider the disciples of Jesus gathered in the Upper Room when Jesus introduced them to a new kind of Passover meal—one that would provide a way for them and for all of his followers to remember the sacrifice he was about to make. Not long after such a significant announcement, Luke’s account tells us, “A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest” (Luke 22:24). Talk about “misguided men!” Jesus called their attention to his “guided mission,” which was “reaching its fulfillment” (Luke 22:37).
Consider Communion a kind of GPS (Graciously Provided Supper) that keeps our spiritual direction intact each week. Every time we observe Communion, we remember and give thanks that Jesus’ mission has indeed reached its fulfillment and that each of us was a part of that mission. We take these emblems, confident that another stage of fulfillment awaits all followers of Jesus: the completion of his guided mission by returning to earth to guide them home for eternity.
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.
