Thursday
Author: Edward Chan, Pastor, First Chinese Southern Baptist Church, San Francisco; Living Water Chinese Baptist Church, Marin
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.” (Mark 14:22-25, NIV)
Long time ago, a man migrated to the United States. Since he had difficulty adjusting to life in America, he felt depressed and scared. During that time, he met a Christian who was full of mercy and love. The Christian greatly assisted him during this time of need. Initially, he was willing to go church because he thought the church would continue to help him through every difficulty.
Year by year, day by day, his needs seemed to be solved. One day, he did not go to church any more. It seemed like he disappeared from the area. The pastor tried to call him many times but he did not reply.
Thinking about this man, who had a lot of grace, received a lot of assistance from many people, but has chosen to become an ungrateful person. Eventually he gave up his faith.
Our Lord Himself set up the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:24-30). He reminded us not to be ungrateful. Bread and wine are actually very common items during dinner in Jewish society. However, when Jesus was eating the last dinner with His twelve disciples, he felt people were ungrateful. He needed His people to remember Him at all times. Therefore, He set up the Lord Supper.
Nowadays, when the church pastor lifts up bread and wine in accordance with what our Lord commanded, it once again lets His people begin to remember His Grace, His crucifixion, and His endless love. It may revive and strengthen us to keep on walking with God. Let us not be forgetful nor ungrateful people!
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The ISAAC 2009 Lenten Devotional, edited by Rev. Dr. Johnson Chiu. This devotional was written by Asian American English ministry leaders and pastors in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. To purchase, click here: Road of Suffering, Road to Glory: A Lenten Adventure with the Savior
