No Lesser Bread
One of the things Paul valued about clarity was how it brings “upbuilding and encouragement and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3 bibref1corinthians14 bibref1corinthians14v3). When the Spirit gives words to His people for the good of the body it brings comfort.
Communion is also a consolation, a comfort. The Lord’s Supper is not a consolation prize, mostly because it isn’t a prize, and also because we aren’t competing to get it. Communion is a grace from God. He gives communion and comfort to those who need it but not to those who deserve it or try to earn it. There isn’t bread for the winner, but lesser bread for the runner-ups.
But God does alleviate our pain by reminding us that Jesus endured anguish and affliction on our behalf (Isaiah 53:4 bibrefisaiah53 bibrefisaiah53v4, 7, 11), by reminding us that pain can only last so long (this life)(2 Corinthians 4:17 bibref2corinthians4 bibref2corinthians4v17; 1 Peter 1:6 bibref1peter1 bibref1peter1v6), and by reminding us that pain can only take so much (not our salvation)(Matthew 10:28 bibrefmatthew10 bibrefmatthew10v28). Communion also comforts us with gospel truths that we are “no longer strangers and aliens, but…fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19 bibrefephesians2 bibrefephesians2v19). Because of Christ the cornerstone “in him…[we] are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (verse 21).
Are you feeling isolated? Afflicted? Perplexed? Do you see a lot of problems? Do have a lot of problems? Don’t lose heart! We are being renewed day by day. “He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us…into his presence” (2 Corinthians 4:14 bibref2corinthians4 bibref2corinthians4v14). Communion at His Table is a no small consolation.