Words in the Hand and Cup

When we commune together, we are also communicating. When we commune, we are conversing. And the words we speak are part of the food.

The words of the Lord Jesus are true nourishment. “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). We hear His words when the words of institution are read, and we hear His words when exhortations are given in His name over the bread and the wine. We are not just nourished by the bread and wine in an isolated fashion. They are received by us, in faith, as tokens of God’s lovingkindness toward us. We know of that lovingkindness because He tells us. This is a meal with meaning, and He is the one who tells us what it means.

But we also speak to one another. As the elements are distributed, it is our custom to sing words of encouragement to one another. This is what the apostle Paul tells us to do. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). As we sing psalm, hymns, and spiritual songs, we are told that we are teaching and admonishing one another. Moreover we are doing it as the word of Christ dwells in us richly.

So then, the audible Word is spoken over the edible Word. The musical Word is sung as the edible Word is passed and shared. And you, the body of the living Word, speak to one another. And the edible Word is eaten as we commune together. The drinkable Word follows.

So come, and welcome, to Jesus Christ.