Life is filled with symbols

In chapel today at Central Bible College, campus pastor Alan Baker led the campus is "The Final Footsteps of Jesus Communion Service."  Dr. Mark Jenkins took us on a journey to Jerusalem and the historical sites of Jesus last week from the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem to the the place of the crucifixion.

The service concluded with the campus sharing together in the communion.

I was asked to share a "charge" to the campus family about the "cup" and lead in prayer before we partook of the cup together.  This is what I said:

Life is filled with symbols.

My wedding ring is a symbol of a commitment, a covenant, I made with my wife Karen “to keep myself only unto her as long as we both shall live.”  Not only is it a symbol of my commitment to her on the day of our wedding, but it symbolizes my continuing commitment to her.

In two weeks, a number of you will  receive another symbol which you will hang on your wall some day:  a diploma from Central Bible College, symbolizing, not only the completion of your academic requirements, but also years of blood, sweat and tears!

Look at the cup you hold in our hand.

Jesus said this cup is also a symbol of a covenant.  We are here today remembering the Last Supper where Jesus introduced this new covenant.  After supper Jesus took the cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

The disciples did not realize what “poured out” meant.  Later they did.  Do we realize what it means?  You and I are impacted specifically by what Jesus did!

Revelation 5:6 records a scene in heaven:  

“Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.” 

After a description of this Lamb – Jesus – the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders sang a new song:

“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

Although you will not wear this symbol or hang it on your wall, right now, as you look at this cup, ask the Holy Spirit to impress this symbol indelibly on your mind so you will NOT forget what Jesus did for you when “with His blood He purchased YOU for God!”  

May we remember all of the days of our lives that we will have the privilege one day to stand in heaven before the throne with people who Jesus purchased with His blood from every tribe and language and people and nation.