August 26 - This Is My Body

Today's Reading: 
Zechariah 12:1-13:9 
Mark 14:22-52 
Proverbs 30:24-33
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Focus Verses: Mark 14:22-25 
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." 23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. 25 "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."

Insight:
This special meal that Jesus gave to his disciples must be the most reenacted historical event of all time. Every day for most of the last two thousand years, some group of people somewhere around the world has broken bread, poured a cup, and remembered Jesus and the new covenant of his blood. And now, the sun never sets on this special meal, as every day millions of Christians all around the world are breaking bread in sacred remembrance and joyful proclamation of the redemption and new life Jesus has made possible through his death on the cross.

Response and Action:
I will join with other Christians every week to worship and remember Christ with the simple elements of broken bread and poured wine. In doing so I will remember and give witness to my need for forgiveness and salvation. I will remember and give witness to God's great love for humanity. I will remember and give witness to my place in the church--the body of Christ. I will remember and give witness to my faith and hope in the promise of Christ's return to redeem, restore, renew, and set all things right.

O God, thank you for sending your only Son into the world to save and redeem. O Christ, thank you for your selfless sacrifice. Thank you for the new and living way you have made for us to be renewed and made right with God. Thank you for rescuing us from the dominion of darkness and bringing us into your kingdom. Thank you for your church and for the opportunity to gather with them around a table each week to remember the cross, the resurrection, and the hope and purpose you give to our lives. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 23:5-6 
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
 
Resources: 
The Meal Jesus Gave Us
by N. T. Wright