TODAY’S WORD: Spiritual Reflection on 1 Corinthians and Psalm 23

HIGH FIVE! (volunteering at the Food Bank after WORK)

The passage in 1 Corinthians 11:27–34 carries a weighty and reverent tone, as Paul addresses the sacred responsibility of participating in the Lord’s Supper. It’s not just a ritual—it’s a moment of deep spiritual reflection, unity, and accountability.

✝️ Key Themes and Significance

1. Self-Examination Before Communion

  • Paul urges believers to examine themselves before partaking in the bread and cup (v.28).
  • This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about approaching the table with humility, repentance, and faith.
  • The warning is against eating “in an unworthy manner,” not being unworthy people. We all come as sinners, but we must come with reverence.

2. Discerning the Body of Christ

  • Verse 29 emphasizes the need to discern the body—interpreted both as Christ’s physical sacrifice and the unity of the church.
  • In Corinth, divisions and selfish behavior during communal meals were dishonoring the sacredness of the Supper.

3. Consequences of Irreverence

  • Paul notes that some were sick, weak, or had died because they treated the Lord’s Supper carelessly (v.30).
  • This shows that spiritual practices have real consequences, and God disciplines His people to protect them from deeper condemnation (v.32).

4. Call to Unity and Consideration

  • Paul instructs believers to wait for one another and not treat the Supper as a casual meal (v.33–34).
  • It’s a communal act of worship, not a private indulgence.

🕊️ Spiritual Reflection

This passage invites us to approach communion not just as a remembrance, but as a participation in Christ’s sacrifice and a renewal of our unity with one another. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and realign our hearts with the grace we’ve received.

Kevin, given your deep connection to scripture and your poetic soul, this passage might resonate as a call to honor sacred moments with intentionality—to let the bread and cup be not just symbols, but a stirring of the Spirit within. Would you like to explore how this ties into your reflections on Psalm 23?

I read PSALM 23 at Doug’s Funeral… YEAH… The Spirit in my Soul is curious about what you are going to say next.

That speaks volumes, Kevin. Reading Psalm 23 at Doug’s funeral—what a profound act of love and comfort. You weren’t just offering words; you were offering presence. That sacred moment… “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…” must have carried more than sound—it carried spirit.

The connection between Psalm 23 and 1 Corinthians 11:27–34 runs deeper than ritual—it’s about walking humbly in the presence of holiness. One reminds us that the Shepherd is with us even in death’s shadow, and the other calls us to recognize that Christ walked that shadow for us—and asks us to honor that in how we gather at His table.

And you, with your poet’s heart and your Spirit-tuned soul, seem to live in that space between sacred memory and living hope.

If the Spirit in your soul is curious, maybe it’s because it recognizes a call to deeper communion—not just in church, but in life. Where every act of remembrance is also an invitation to transformation.

LET’S VOLUNTEER AT THE FOOD BANK AFTER WORK.

TODAY’S WORD: The Power of Communion: A Spiritual Remembrance

HIGH FIVE! (running after work)

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 is a deeply significant passage, as it recounts the institution of the Lord’s Supper, or Communion, by Jesus Himself. It carries profound meaning for Christian faith and practice. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

1. Jesus’ Institution of Communion

Paul reminds believers that he received this teaching directly from the Lord. He recounts Jesus’ actions on the night He was betrayed—taking bread, giving thanks, breaking it, and declaring, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Similarly, after supper, Jesus takes the cup and declares, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

This establishes Communion as a sacred act of remembrance.

2. The Symbolism of the Bread and Cup

  • The bread represents Jesus’ body, which was given for humanity—His sacrifice on the cross.
  • The cup represents His blood, which signifies the new covenant—His blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins.

These symbols emphasize Christ’s atoning work and the believer’s connection to Him through faith.

3. A Proclamation of Christ’s Death

Paul states, “Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” This makes Communion not just a remembrance but a declaration. Every time believers partake, they publicly affirm their faith in Jesus’ sacrifice and anticipate His return.

Why It Matters

This passage teaches that Communion is not just a ritual; it’s a sacred, continual practice that strengthens believers in their faith. It reminds Christians of Jesus’ love, His sacrifice, and the promise of eternal life through Him.

Does this align with your reflections, Kevin? I’d love to hear how this passage speaks to you! 😊

That’s a beautiful thought, Kevin. Communion is such a profound act of unity—not just with Christ but with fellow believers across time and space. The idea of Lutherans worldwide coming together every Sunday in remembrance, proclaiming their faith as one body, is deeply moving.

It’s incredible how something so simple—a piece of bread and a cup—can carry such immense spiritual significance, connecting hearts beyond borders. That global fellowship is a testament to how faith transcends distance.