Daily Lectionary: Numbers 16:23-40; St. Luke 19:29-48
"But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words ‘for you’ require all hearts to believe.” (Small Catechism, The Sacrament of the Altar)
In the name of Jesus. Amen. There has been a load of “faith talk” as we’ve pondered the Sacrament of the Altar throughout these weeks of Easter, especially the last two weeks. We’ve rejoiced in what a gift the Sacrament is.
But beware, children of God! Receiving the Sacrament while doubting the Lord’s words and promise is deadly. Holy Scripture teaches that receiving the Sacrament apart from faith brings judgment, and judgment leads to condemnation.
St. Paul admonished the careless Corinthians for partaking of the Sacrament without consideration of the Lord’s words and promises. He warned them of the danger of God’s judgment and condemnation (see 1 Corinthians 11). How many times have you “carelessly” approached the Lord’s Table to receive His Body and Blood?
Did you consider “What is it?” as you approached the Lord’s Altar. Did you consider Christ’s Word and promise? Perhaps you came still harboring sin within your heart, refusing to let go of it, planning and plotting to persist in it. Is there a sin between you and a fellow Christian left unresolved? If so, today, the Lord Jesus bids you to repent, lest you be condemned.
The Lord Jesus gives you no reason to doubt His Word and promise. Your sin is serious enough that He gave up His own life for you on the Cross. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends,” (St. John 15:13). Jesus proved that love when He offered Himself for you on the Cross and rose again from the dead. Now, He graciously offers you Himself, crucified and risen, in His Supper.
Thankfully, what the Catechism confesses concerning the Lord’s Supper leaves no room for doubt! You know from the Lord, Himself, what the Sacrament is, what He offers you in it, and how He, Himself, prepares you to receive it. You are most blessed to receive the glorious teaching that the apostles received from the Lord, Himself. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Jesus, sun of life, my splendor, Jesus, friend of friends, most tender, Jesus, joy of my desiring, Fount of life, my soul inspiring: At Your feet I cry, my maker, Let me be a fit partaker Of this blessed food from heaven, For our good, Your glory given.” (LSB #636, verse 6)
Easter 2007 Reflections were written by the Rev. Joel Fritsche, Admissions Counselor at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO.