Blood On My Hands

/w permission from Graphicstock.com

Matthew 26:27 - 29 “²⁷Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.²⁸This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ²⁹I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

I had finished my part in the service of Communion having carried the bread to believers who could not walk to the front for one reason or another, they were; infirm, working the sound board, in the Bawl Room with little ones, or playing their instruments as background while the ambulatory amongst the congregation came forward to be served. Andy offered me the bread and I broke a piece off hearing his words, “the body of Christ, broken for you.” Greg followed up with the cup and the words, “the blood of Christ, shed for you.”

When I took the bread and dipped it in the cup to complete the intinction some dripped on my hand. I nearly froze as the analogy washed over me like the waterfall of a high mountain stream. I was shocked and saddened and incredibly thankful. I had blood on my hands, the blood of Christ.

I am the reason he went to the cross. It’s my fault that the King of Kings stood before a corrupt court and suffered indignation, insults, and false accusations. He was beaten for me, stood in my place and took the whip. He trudged up the hill dragging the cross while his people rejected him, reviled him, and turned their backs on him. He did all of this on account of me, so that I could draw near to the Father without being destroyed, so that I might be able to be in communion with the great Jehovah. So that I might serve the King of Kings as He is meant to be served.

I didn’t dip the bread and take the communion to myself alone. The cup is filled by the pouring out “for many for the forgiveness of sins”. All who dipped that day with me and repented were forgiven, washed clean and were made able to stand in His presence. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and, thank God, we have the sacrifice made available to us always.

So come to the table to eat and drink. Busy? Infirm? Beckon the servers to bring the communion to you and partake because, “²⁶For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (I Corinthians 11: 26).

In His grip, jerry