Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Exodus 4:30–31

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From the Word: 30 And Aaron spoke all the words that the Lord had spoken to Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. 31 And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that he had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped. (Exodus 4:30–31)

From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Holy Communion

What is Holy Communion?

Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, given to us Christians to eat and drink, as it was instituted by Christ himself.

Where is this written?

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Paul say:

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying: “Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

Pulling It Together: I remember so many Sundays about 40 years ago, when I remained in the pew, trying to decide if I was ready to receive Holy Communion. Was I penitent enough, devoted, pious, holy? Was there someone else I needed to speak with, to clear up some hurt? I was never sure of any of these things, so there I sat, not daring to eat or drink because I did not feel ready, and that I might eat and drink condemnation upon myself (1 Cor 11:29).

When I consider the spiritual conditions of those first disciples, they too, were they to rely upon their feelings, would never have dared to obey the Lord’s command: eat, drink. The Hebrew children in the wilderness are another example. Before their considerations were God’s word and signs. “And the people believed” (Exodus 4:31). If they relied on their fluctuating feelings, they too could not have believed.

Before us are both word and signs. Take and eat. Drink. Here are the signs: bread and wine, body and blood. These are all we need to believe and obey.

Prayer: Lord, help me ignore my feelings, and focus on your word. Amen.

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