Confirmation
When I place an order online, I almost always get a confirmation email. It can also be called a receipt. This is “proof” of sorts, that I made the order and paid for it. I also confirm appointments very often as I want to make sure there is a mutual understanding of when I’m connecting with the other person. After confirmation of the appointment, it goes in my calendar. In our culture, confirmation is important as we show respect for others and their time as well as our own.
I came across this word confirmation in reading a familiar passage. I’ve read different versions and different perspectives of what took place during the last supper. I missed this word because it wasn’t there in other translations, but I think it is worth investigating. Check this out…
22 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it, for this is my body.”
23 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many. 25 I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.”
26 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. (Mark 14:22-26 NLT)
My church tradition observes the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. We have a special time of communion to remember Jesus’ death for our sin. This last supper with His disciples is different than the Passover, even though it happened at the end of the Passover meal. I think Jesus knew that food would be a great way for us to remember His sacrifice. The bread and the wine touch our senses and cause us to remember. It is about what He did. It is about my response to what He did for me. I think communion should be observed with great respect and reverence. Jesus uses common food to remember an uncommon event that was coming. The covenant that God is making with His people features grace and mercy instead of law and punishment.
I love the Lord’s simple confirmation of His covenant with me. He loves me still and I’m profoundly thankful.
Pressing On!
Dwayne