Corey Rehm
The first time that Communion came up after I started attending Grace, I avoided it. The next time around I decided to give it a chance. I convinced my family to come with me because I knew they had similar questions and feelings.
Communion at Grace was different. And by different I mean it wasn’t just the bread and the cup; it was threefold Communion where I would eat with people, take the bread and the cup, and have to take my shoes off for foot washing.
Foot washing was honestly the biggest hurdle for my family. In John 13:14-15 Jesus says, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” What an incredible example to follow. Jesus explains in John 13 that foot washing is symbolic of how He forgives us of our sins and when we wash one another’s feet, we tangibly get to experience and remember that truth. What a perfect symbol of grace and forgiveness!
We took the step as a family to take Communion together and I remember walking out of the building knowing that we had previously been missing out on something that God wanted for us. Communion became important because I realized that taking Communion was an opportunity for obedience. This is something that Jesus wants me to do. It’s a opportunity to reflect on what Jesus did for me on the cross by taking the bread and the cup (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), the grace and forgiveness He continues to give me by participating in foot washing (John 13:1-17), and what His promises are for the future by enjoying the love feast (1 Corinthians 11:33; Revelation 19:6-9). When taking part in communion I remember the hope that is found in Christ’s resurrection.
Communion is a time when we as believers get the opportunity to come together to participate in the three parts of Communion that Jesus set the pattern for. We get to enjoy a meal together known as the love feast, partake in the bread and the cup, and wash one another’s feet. It all makes for a rich and meaningful night.
If you have not come to a Communion service yet at Grace, I encourage you to come this year and experience the same things that my family and I did. You will not regret it.