Communion

When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him.    

                                                                                                                        Luke 22.14

When the apostles joined Jesus at the table they were ready to partake of the Passover meal. Everything had been prepared. Even when Jesus had earlier sent Peter and John off, His words to them had been, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” (v 8)

All had been prepared, and now they were ready. But what followed was not the traditional Passover meal. The records that we have of this time tell us nothing of the disciples’ reactions. They may have been puzzled. They could have been downright outraged. For this man, their leader, was now acting in the strangest manner, and He was totally denying centuries of tradition and leading them in a sharing time that was not what they were expecting.

No, we don’t know how the disciples responded in the moment. What we do know from subsequent events is that they, and we, have been incredibly blessed by that time, which saw the institution of what is known as the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist, or Holy Communion.

The disciples entered that upper room with certain expectations. What they received was not what they were expecting but did, I truly believe, exceed anything they could have imagined.

This is the way I want to partake of Holy Communion. I may well enter with certain understandings, but let me be expectant of great and wonderful blessings beyond my imaginings. This is, after all, Holy Communion. This is where I join with my Lord in sweet intimacy – and anything can happen!

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for the opportunities I have to share with You in sweet communion. I open myself in these times to receive all You would have for me. Enjoy me, please. I want to enjoy You.              Amen.

Manipulation

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; …

So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.                                                                             Luke 22.3,6

It is difficult to tell what Judas’ true thoughts were concerning Jesus. They had been together, and closely so, for some time. Judas seemed to have a certain standing in the group of disciples, for he was entrusted with the finances.

Some theories suggest he might have been impatient with Jesus’ slow move, or lack of move, to power. And this is what prompted him to act as he did, in the hope that it would spur Jesus to make a further, political move.

Whatever his reasons, the outcome was amazing. Initially crushing for the early believers, it led to release and glorious new life. But for Judas the consequence was devastating.

We are told that Satan entered into Judas. Well, we might have expected him to be involved! But do we leave it there? I think not! For we read further that Judas consented. Satan sought to make a pact with Judas, and Judas agreed.

This is the way with all of us. I don’t believe Satan has power over us without us, at some stage, giving him permission. This may be overt or latent. Whichever way, there is a point at which we succumb, and allow ourselves to be manipulated and used for non-good. This is likely to be to our detriment and also that of others. It puts me in a place in God where I’d rather not be.

What can I do? I heed the advice of the writer to the Hebrews. I fix my eyes on Jesus, and I seek His way and His help to lead me through.

Holy God,

I know I sin. Forgive me. I commit to fix my eyes on Jesus and look to Him in all things. Help me in this, please. Strengthen me when I am weak. Equip me as I need it with right thoughts, words and deeds. Lead me on, to Your praise and glory.                                    Amen.

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