As pastors we’re always trying to come up with fresh ways to express the old, old story! I dreamed up the idea of moving “from the Pastor’s Desk” to Friday and giving my blog a new name – “Sunday’s Coming.” I realized today the title may not reflect your reality. Sunday may not be your focus. So, why am I writing this – because all of us need to be ready for Sunday. It’s the Lord’s Day, and we come together to meet Jesus afresh. So, are you ready, are you getting ready?
This coming Sunday we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Some Christian traditions emphasize spending time during the week preceding Communion to prepare. Examine yourself, see what needs afresh the blood of Jesus. Frankly, this is a good practice. Paul emphasizes this to the Corinthians in chapter 11. I wonder if it really would make a difference if we all came to the table of the Lord, prepared, prayed, and planning to encounter the Risen Lord afresh?
Our biblical text this Sunday is from Hebrews 7:1-24. Yes, it’s a long passage, but it’s a critical passage because the writer to the Hebrews, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reminds us that “satisfaction is because Jesus lives forever.” The priests of the old covenant died just as all people will die. It literally required a continual perpetuation of new high priests. Jesus died, but the Bible teaches us that He rose from the dead and is very much alive in heaven, at the Father’s right hand! Does this matter? It sure does, because it means Jesus has become the “guarantor of a better covenant.” That is only possible because Jesus is still very much alive! Come Sunday, ready for Communion, and ready to be renewed in your relationship with Jesus!
On June 14th we will finish Hebrews chapter seven by asking the question – “Why Jesus?” It may sound like a silly question. Of course, we know why it’s Jesus. But do we? Do we need to be reminded? When I think about what happens on Sunday in many churches, I’m convinced we need to be renewed in why it’s Jesus and not some other person, creed, or thing.
See you Sunday and let’s come ready to worship and thank God!