Living in the Spirit
July 7, 2015

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19

They brought in the ark of the Lord, and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt-offerings and offerings of well-being before the Lord. When David had finished offering the burnt-offerings and the offerings of well-being, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts, and distributed food among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, to each a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people went back to their homes. –2 Samuel 6:17-19

There is just something healing about eating a meal together. My dad was born into one of those yours, mine, and ours families. There were 15 children who lived to adulthood. As you can imagine our family reunions were rather large. When I was a small child those reunions also included my dad’s cousins and their families. We rented a building at the fairgrounds. I have fond memories of those dinners to this day. Lots of food, lots of laughter, sometimes some solemn moments to remember someone missing who had died, and in my family, lots of tall tales of earlier times. These memories are what came to mind as I imagined the Israelites setting down to eat the meal David provided.

Our government serves state dinners to dignitaries visiting. No matter how continuous relationships might be, taking time to break bread together allows people the opportunity to be reminded that we are all God’s children who must eat. We must have our bodies, minds, and spirits nurtured routinely to be and do the tasks of living in community.

Jesus knew this. He instituted what we call the Lord’s Supper, Communion, The Eucharist to help us remember whose we are and to nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits for our work as a part of the Body of Christ.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the gift of breaking bread together. Refresh our spirits and heal our souls as we share in your meal of remembrance. Make us whole, make us one. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.