1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-29

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2007

WORTHY OR UNWORTHY?

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 (NKJV)

There are varied interpretations of the Last Supper in regard to the bread and wine. These interpretations are worthy of discussion at another time. For this devotion, I focus on are we worthy or unworthy as we receive the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper, the Holy Communion, or whatever term you prefer to use.

Many people have stumbled over this question. I have inquired of individuals why they did not come forward and partake even though they were at worship. The answer that I received the most was, “Pastor, I am not worthy.”

When asked why they believe this, they refer to this passage from St. Paul. They go on to say that even though they try not to, they continue to sin; therefore, they are not worthy.

This is like a child saying to a parent, “I try to do what you want, but I keep on doing things you tell me not to do; therefore, I am not worthy of being your child.” A parent would say, you are still my child, I love you. God says, you are still my child, I love you. In other words, as a child of God, as a child of a parent, you are worthy.

What then is the unworthy?

-The person who denies God.

 

-The persons who, while confessing their sins, are planning the next ones.

 

-The person who comes to receive without believing in the Christ of the Cross and seeking to live according to his will.

On this Holy Thursday, if you confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior, if you confess sorrow for your sins, you are worthy. Jesus says to you, “Come and receive.” Maybe you can even hear the music, ”Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling O sinner, Come Home.”

WE PRAY; Lord, I confess my sins and come to you not by my merit but because you have invited me. Forgive me and Strengthen me. Amen

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION