These are my notes from the Communion meditation I presented at church this morning:
Luke tells us that Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to the disciples. Henri Nouwen, in a talk I listened to this summer, points out this is parallel to what He does with us.
He took the bread, and He takes us, when we turn to Him—takes us into His heart, into His love.
He took the bread and broke it—that’s the part I don’t like! But God isn’t looking for co-workers. As long as we’re strong in our own strength, He can’t use us. We must be broken for Him to use us.
>>Psalm 34:18: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
>>Psalm 51:17: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
After He broke the bread, He gave it to His disciples. When we are broken, vulnerable, transparent, weak … then we’re ready for His use … then He can give us to His needy people.
So, as the Communion elements are passed out to you, think about your areas of brokenness: How is God using your weakness to His glory? Or, maybe, where do we need to be broken so we can be used?