Sunday Re Cap (8th Nov 2009)

Holy Communion (Part I)

The Holy Communion was instituted for the purpose of wholeness and healing. This will be a study that will help God's people to understand the full significance of the HC. To start our study, we need to go back to the Old Testament where it all began. To understand HC we need to fully appreciate the Passover.

Ex 12:1-13; 22-24 The Passover instituted.

V2-The Beginning of months-New Beginnings (The Passover signifies a new year).

V3-a lamb for himself and for his household-the lamb is not just for you but Jesus is for the whole household. When God sent Jesus, he did not only see you but your household. Your household is blessed because of you.

V4-Household too small! The Lamb is not too small. God's provision always exceeds our needs! Jesus is more than enough. God's blessings over our lives are meant to overflow to others. Not just kept for ourselves. JESUS IS MORE THAN ENOUGH. Twelve baskets full! Net breaking boat sinking load of fish. Wonderful to call for help when we are too BLESSED! How many would like to experience such a day? God is extravagant with His love! Don't be jealous with others. Don't be stingy as that doesn't reflect the heart of God.

V5-Lamb without blemish; first year, very sweet and adorable. Purposely not 2 or 3^rd year lamb. It represents Jesus, the one without blemish. "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!".

V6-14^th day, meaning lamb kept for 5 days to bond with the family. Also to see if in the midst of the household if it has any blemishes. To fully appreciate that a sinless animal died on their behalf. Jesus came and dwelt among us, became one of us. Jesus was examined for 5 days faults-John's baptism, paying tax,

V7-the cross! The blood applied outside. Judgment on the outside but mercy on the inside!

V13-The Lord sees the blood and not what's in the heart of the people; not their goodness, charity, contributions. People were also conscious of the blood and not their sins. Even if they were, God's protection was still upon their lives as God only sees the blood. However, they would not be able to enjoy the time while awaiting their deliverance because of they did not receive! The blood on the doors of the Israelites differentiated them from the Egyptians' homes. As we said the last 2 weeks, the Egyptians represent sin. What separates us from the Egyptians? Sin? It's the blood!

Even in the OT the Passover was a picture of God's mercy. Why then do God's people treat the Holy Communion as a place of judgment for their sins? Even in the original Passover God did not judge sin but provided the blood of a lamb without blemish. Who needs to be without blemish? The lamb or the one that is sacrificing the lamb?
To be continued…

Samuel Hari © GROW BM