Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known (1 Cor. 13:12).
Our faith has many layers. There is no bottom to the bucket that hold the unsearchable riches of Christ. So, even though I think I understand something, I know there is always more Truth to glean, more Riches to embrace. The scripture above makes it clear that we really can’t see the whole picture clearly yet.
My mirror is a little foggy, but Jesus wiped away some of that fog today while I asked Him to help me better understand the sacrament of Communion. I wanted to know if there was more about the cup we drink from when we celebrate The Lord’s Supper. Historians believe that the cup Jesus commanded the disciples to drink in remembrance of Him was the third cup of the Passover meal they were celebrating. This was the cup of Redemption. He has redeemed us. But there is more…
My recent ponderings of The Bride of Christ (more on this later) were fed when I read this excerpt from a Messianic Seder (Passover meal) booklet. This sweetened Christ’s command even more. His cup of wine even more precious.
Here’s what I found:
There is a parallel to this cup found in the ancient Jewish marriage traditions. These ancient customs include a cup of wine which the hopeful groom sets before the prospective bride. If she wished to refuse the proposal, she did not drink. If she desired to accept, she would drink to the dregs, taking in the bitter with the sweet.
In doing so, she was binding herself to him. At this point, the marriage covenant was established and the young man and woman were legally bound to one another in a state called “betrothal.” From that moment on the bride was declared “sanctified,” or set apart exclusively for her bridegroom.
As believers, we have accepted the proposal of our Beloved Bridegroom and when we partake of the Cup of Redemption we are, in essence, renewing our vows to our Betrothed.
For those who have not yet accepted the proposal of the Messiah, drinking this cup offers you an opportunity to say “Yes” to Him. Yeshua has set the cup before you and now waits to see if you will drink. (From a Messianic Passover Haggadah)
I’m drinking it to the dregs!
What does this say to you? Does it make Communion even more intimate and special. Have you said “yes” to Jesus?
Much love,
andy
