Of all the ministry experiences I've had, few are more remarkable than distributing communion. I enjoy seeing the fruits of hard work pay off in a sermon. I appreciate the opportunity to share the gospel with someone who is confined to a nursing home bed. I know that God works through his gospel, whether it's preached from a pulpit or a living room. But that is never so evident as during the distribution of the Lord's Supper.
I've had the opportunity to commune the pastor that confirmed me. I've communed pastors that taught me in high-school and encouraged me to enter the ministry. I've communed the pastor who will write my vicar report. I've communed my parents. When I have given the Lord's body and blood to these people, it's so obvious that it's God working...not me. "May this true body and blood strengthen and preserve you until life everlasting. Depart in peace; your sins are forgiven." That has nothing to do with me; it's all God. And that's awesome.
Today I got to give someone his1first communion. It was so exciting to get to pronounce the forgiveness of sins to someone in such a tangible way for the very first time. Now, every first communion may not be quite as exciting as this one was. However, I pray that I never lose appreciation for the fact that God has used me to accomplish such an awesome task.
To God be the glory!
1 Just like with my last blog, the gender of a person who is mentioned in a post may or may not correspond with reality.↩
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