Anticipatory Reflection!

I find it confusing to watch a television series or a movie that seems to bounce around between the present, THE PAST, and THE FUTURE. There is sometimes difficulty in keeping the story straight when the scenes change and it takes a few moments to realize what time period is actually being represented. Nevertheless, though I find it sometimes confusing, I also find it somewhat intriguing in the way the script has been written. Now, when we think about it, is that not the way our mind often works? We get involved in activities that at times cause us to think of THE PAST and perhaps at other times make us consider THE FUTURE. As full as the mind is with MEMORIES OF THE PAST and HOPES FOR THE FUTURE, that bouncing around of the mind can be quite sudden.

When Paul offered some instruction to the church at Corinth in getting their focus properly fixed when they came together to partake of the Lord’s supper, he mentioned two time periods in connection with the Lord. We read. . .

“(23) For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that THE LORD JESUS ON THE NIGHT WHEN HE WAS BETRAYED took bread, (24) and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body which is for you. Do this IN REMEMBRANCE of me.’ (25) In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, IN REMEMBRANCE of me.’ (26) For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, YOU PROCLAIM THE LORD’S DEATH UNTIL HE COMES.” ( 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ESV)

As the Christians at Corinth focused on their present participation with one another in sharing the Lord’s supper, they were to REFLECT BACK on Jesus’ institution of it, remembering His body and blood given on their (and our) behalf. REFLECTING BACK on the Lord was to help them maintain a proper frame of mind and purpose in what they were doing. The redemption and cleansing Christ’s death made possible was not to be forgotten.

There was also a LOOKING AHEAD that was to come to mind in the present partaking. As the Lord’s supper was participated in, through the eating of the bread and drinking of the cup they were proclaiming the death of the Lord “UNTIL HE COMES.” Therefore we see that along with the REFLECTING BACK to the cross there was also an ANTICIPATION TOWARD the Lord’s second coming.

Praise the Lord He gave Himself for our sins “once for all.” ( Romans 6:10 & Hebrews 7:27; 10:10) That PAST ACT provides a present glorious blessing. And praise the Lord He is coming back again. ( Acts 1:11 & 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) That FUTURE act is part of our glorious hope! As we daily think about the wonderful relationship we have with Christ, may our REFLECTING BACK cause us to also LOOK FORWARD to the eternity we will share with Him.

Have a great day REJOICING TO KNOW THE ONE WHO IS, WAS, AND IS TO COME!
Carl

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