Tears of Gratitude
He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree,
1 Peter 2:24
At a communion service I attended, the congregation was invited to come forward to receive the bread and cup from one of the elders, as they passed the bread, they each told the next member of the congregation (in their own words) what the Lord Jesus had done for him or her on the cross. It was an especially moving experience during what can often become just routine. After we returned to our seats, I watched as others slowly and quietly filed past. It was striking to see how many had tears in their eyes. For me, and for others I talked with later, they were tears of gratitude.
The reason for tears of gratitude is seen in the reason for the communion table itself. Paul, after instructing the church at Corinth about the meaning of the memorial supper, punctuated his comments with these powerful words: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Cor 11:26). With the elements of communion pointing directly to the cross and the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf, that service was about so much more than ritual—it was about Christ. His love. His sacrifice. His cross. For us.
How inadequate words are to convey the extraordinary worth of Christ! Sometimes tears of gratitude speak what words cannot fully express.
Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 11:23-32.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, On the cross You showed us the depths of Your love far greater than words could ever express. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
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