communion

Meeting Jesus In the Garden

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Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. John 20:14 ESV

Did you know that in the old hymn, “In the Garden” the place which Austin Miles wrote of was not just some bed of roses, but rather the garden where Jesus rose. Though many dismiss the lyrics as overly sentimental, I find that, the words “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own,” actually outline the three elements of communion.

There are many parts of a worship service, but the most important, is neither the singing nor the preaching but rather the presence of Jesus. Jesus has kept His church alive for 2,000 years and He comes most clearly to meet us in the communion. As the lyrics say, “And He walks with me.” Jesus died and rose again and in that moment He walked once again in the garden with Mary. He came while she was alone, weeping and looking for Him. Next the lyrics say, “And He talks with me.” For two thousand years, Jesus has been speaking. “This is my body which is given for you.” and “This cup is the new covenant in My blood.” echo down through time, Every time we receive them, we hear His voice again.

Lastly, Mary falls down to worship. The Bible tells us that at the end of the Last Supper, Jesus sang a hymn with His friends. Just as Mary bowed and the disciples sang, there is a joy filled pause after we have received the bread and the cup. They remind us again that “the joy we share as we tarry there, none other, has ever known!”  

Martha and The Old Rugged Cross

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Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 NIV

We often hear this story told with the focus on Mary and how she chose the better part. But Martha was also loved by the Lord, and it is a good thing because a lot more of us are like her than like Mary! In fact, there would be no story at all if it were not for Martha inviting, not only Jesus, but twelve of his friends, who came in her house with dirty feet and the smell of fish about them. Of course, Martha did start rushing about, and got busy doing unimportant things. But Jesus begins His correction by tenderly calling her by name. Yes. Mary did choose the better part that day, but Martha was also precious to Him. If we follow the story of these sisters, we will discover that Martha learns to choose the better part.

After the death and resurrection of their brother Lazarus, Martha hosts another dinner in honor of Jesus, and again she alone serves at the table, but this time there is no more complaining. Her focus is on Jesus, and she quietly honors Him with delight in the best way she understands. Aren’t you glad that God is patient with us, just as Jesus was with Martha? He calls you by name. “Martha – Martha!” You are precious to Him in spite of your failings, weaknesses and choices. As we keep inviting Him to our house and we continue serving at His table, He will gently teach us to listen. As we quiet the anxiety that bangs the pots and pans of our everyday life, we will find that we can choose the better part. Just as Mary did, we will find that same blessing as we come to rest and listen at the feet of Jesus Christ.

This week I was so blessed to have Jim and Carolyn to serve the communion at Watermark. It is so important to have helpers who will be like Martha with a willingness to help. It is a precious thing for these brothers and sisters, in long term care to receive something we take for granted every time we are in church. If you would like to learn more about how you can be involved in nursing home ministry, here, is a link to a book I wrote a while back called, “Nursing Home Ministry, the Heart of Jesus Christ.

A Closer Look at Martha and the Old Rugged Cross

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 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. John 11:21

Most people have loved Mary because of her humility and worship, but the Bible tells us that Jesus also loved Martha. I think of Martha as the female version of Peter. She was always saying something! But aren’t you secretly glad that Martha said all those things and asked all the questions that the rest of us were too afraid to voice? Today’s video takes a deeper dive into Martha’s cry for help and how we need that in our lives. This also will give those who follow this blog a peek into our nursing home outreach. I am so thankful that other volunteers have come alongside to help so that we were able to serve communion this Friday. Also included is the classic hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross”. If you would like to know more about nursing home ministry, why not follow our YouTube channel? I hope that you have a blessed weekend!