But We See Jesus

October 5, 1997

Hebrews 1,2; Mark 10:15

Last week Norman McCullough was talking grandfather talk about his little grandson, Kevin. He, Kevin, had been reading (a dinosaur book) in the middle of the living room floor when he stopped and folded his hands and appeared to be praying. When it seemed he had finished his grandmother, Nancy, asked him gently what he had been doing.

"Well," he said," Dad told me I should be praying and I was praying."

"What were you asking God for?" asked Nancy.

"I wasn't asking for anything," said little Kevin. "I was just listening."

GOD HAS SPOKEN

(HOW) In many ways across the centuries, our scripture tells us, God has spoken. God has spoken in majestic power, in the beauty of the cosmos and creation. God has spoken by prophets of an ideal of justice, and has given us the Commandments as a Guide to real Life. But, the scripture emphasizes, God has given His highest Word in His Son, Jesus Christ— a Word of LOVE and redemption and LIFE!

(WHAT) God has said several important things to us:

  1. I AM THAT I AM! Don't try to "box me in" or "define me."
  2. I LOVE YOU! I hear you when you cry! I am a God who will respond!
  3. IN CHRIST 'ALL THINGS' WILL FINALLY 'MAKE SENSE'

WE DO NOT YET SEE . . .

The scripture is quick to say "We do not yet see all that has been promised!" There is a need for God's people to trust him— to HOPE in his word! (more on that perhaps this evening as we look into Job)

Frankly, life as we see and know it is not always "fair." We do not yet see the 'millennial reign' where the lion lies down with the lamb" (... even in the Church— the lamb is always very, very nervous!)

BUT WE (DO) SEE JESUS

Jesus is God's ETERNAL Word! Jesus is always near (by His Spirit!)

He is present NOW by His Spirit to guide. He is speaking if only we, like Norman's little grandson, will make the effort to LISTEN!

In the Gospel Lesson Jesus has said: Unless and until we can come as little children— we cannot begin to understand His love— we cannot inherit his kingdom.

God has spoken ... God is speaking! And one wonderful way God wants to speak to us today is through

THE HOLY COMMUNION

Communion, a sacrament of the church, gives us opportunity to listen for God's voice, and to affirm that we are one with all people around the world who say by the Spirit, "Jesus is Lord!" This sacrament both looks back to the Cross and forward to the Great Banquet when the redeemed of all ages will celebrate Life together in the glorious Light of God's immediate Presence.

Will you prepare, with the help of God the Holy Spirit, to come to Christ's Table?:

The Law Read and Confession Made

The Lord Jesus Christ has said to us: "Thou shalt love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This if the first and great commandment. The second is like unto it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

Shall we pray:

Search us, O God, and know our most private thoughts. Try us, and show unto us the deepest motives, the real state of our hearts. Forgive us where we have been selfish, or insensitive, or sinful in any way. We cannot keep the Great Commandment, and truly love You, O God, with all our heart, soul, and mind unless You in mercy grant to us the grace of Your indwelling Spirit. We cannot love each other as we should unless Your love is shed abroad in our hearts.

Brothers and sisters, let us search our hearts. In silence let us ask God to draw us near to Himself so that we can come to his table with confidence.

We do not presume to come to this table, O God, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your great mercy and grace. Grant us to eat the Bread of heaven, and drink the blood shed for the remission of sins, that we may live in Christ, and Christ may live in us forever. Amen

Let us confess our faith:

The Apostles' Creed ..... (STL # 8) OR [Nicene Creed #14]

The Informal Invitation ("This is not my table . . . ")

Holy and gracious Father; in your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin, and were worthy of death and hell, you, in your mercy sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to You, the God and Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

The Words of Institution

On the night in which he was betrayed our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had give thanks to You he broke it and gave it to his disciples and said, "Take eat: THIS IS MY BODY, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

After supper he took the cup and when he had give thanks he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you; THIS IS MY BLOOD OF THE NEW COVENANT, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink this, do it in remembrance of me: Amen

We praise you for the mystery of our salvation! We truly believe

Bless these emblems, O God, and make them to us the Body and Blood of your Son, spiritual food, and spiritual drink of new and unending life in Jesus Christ.

And now, together, we pray, as Jesus taught us:

Our Father which art in heaven . . . (partake together // instructions if otherwise)Now, humbly we receive the Gifts of God for the People of God