Symbols are part of our daily life. Symbols are things that represent something else by association, resemblance, or convention.  Oftentimes, a material object, used to represent something invisible. As Americans, the American eagle, once believed only to be found in North America, represents long-life, strength, and majesty. The Olive branch -  peace. The American Flag - liberty, freedom, and independence.

I attended a football game in recent weeks. Arriving a few minutes late, I approached the field shortly before the pre-game traditions.   As is customary, a brief time of prayer was followed by the playing of the national anthem.  As I froze in place and stood quietly on the perimeter of the field – hand over heart – reflecting on the American flag waving elegantly in the breeze; my attention was diverted to so many carelessly walking, and talking, about me - without any regard for the American Flag.  I thought to myself, how we as a country have seemingly lost the tremendous reverence once held for this stately symbol. The long-standing heritage – the lives sacrificed – the freedoms enjoyed – liberty.

As Christians, we also have symbols: the dove – the cross – and for the purposes of discussion today – the communion table.

We also face similar dangers, do we not? With the passing of time we run the danger of becoming careless, in heart.  The American flag is symbolic of significant intangible values for citizens living in North America. But, standing on the sidelines of that football field that day, I was reminded that the strength of the American flag was subject to the unity and resolve of its people. E pluribus Unum – the many become one.

In contrast, the finished work of Christ, the Cross, and His glorious resurrection, has far greater implications:

The origin of the American flag is EARTHLY; the origin of Christ - HEAVENLY

The scope of the American flag is NATIONAL; the work of Christ – INTERNATIONAL

The flag, in effect is TEMPORAL; the work of Christ – ETERNAL

The American flag MUST be defended; the work of Christ – is ESTABLISHED (The battle is already won).

 And yet, today we also reflect upon the symbol of unity found within the ordinance of COMMUNION: a coming together, uniting with Christ, uniting with each other. In Galatians 3:26, 28, Paul writes,  “So YOU are ALL children of God through faith in Christ Jesus … There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female.  For you are ALL Christians – you are ONE in Christ Jesus."

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST IS THE GREAT UNIFIER:

We all have the same SAVIOR – the same FAITH – the same HOLY SPIRIT – baptized in the same name – going to the same place – serving the same Lord – embracing the same forgiveness – serving the same purpose – in the same family. Communion reminds us of the unity we have with each other IN CHRIST. The table represents our common union with EACH OTHER – IN CHRIST.

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST REMOVES DIVISIVENESS:

IN CHRIST, there are no distinctions. Race no longer matters – gender no longer matters – social standing no longer matters – political party no longer matters – we are ALL simply children of God through FAITH – unified IN CHRIST. All titles are left at the door – we approach this table as equals – only CHRIST matters.

John 17:23 states, “I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in UNITY, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.

The significance of UNITY – “THEN”, the world will know that God loves them.

This table represents the transforming power that genuine unity in Christ can have on a community. Communion brings us back to what it’s really all about.

IT’S NOT ABOUT OUR DIFFERENCES – OPINIONS – OR PREFERENCES – IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS

As we celebrate communion today – may we be in awe of the symbolism behind what we do?  Let’s remember the price WAS PAID – a relationship was established – Unity can be maintained. For His Honor, and His Glory!