Each week Zion’s pastors send a devotion to Zion members via email. This devotion is for February 15, 2012.
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than He?” (1 Corinthians 10:21-22)
At first, the words seem so foreign to us. The cup of demons? The table of demons? What’s all that about?
To the early Christians in Corinth, it was a serious issue. Living in a pagan society, they saw temples and altars to false gods every day. In fact, that’s how people got to eat meat: through buying or participating in pagan sacrifices!
Here St. Paul tells the Christians to refrain from participating in pagan altars and religious feasts. They belonged to only one Lord, one God, and therefore, they belonged to only one cup and table, the Holy Supper of Jesus Christ.
Perhaps these words aren’t so foreign after all. Like those early Christians, you also belong to one Lord, and to one cup and table. How do eating and drinking at that table shape your daily practice of the faith? What “idols” are calling you to different “feasts” and “sacrifices”?
With Lent coming soon, these are good questions to ask. Renewing our practice of the faith always centers on the Altar, where the Lord renews us with His own body and blood.
LET US PRAY: Lord Jesus, You have called me to Your heavenly feast, and even now feed me with Your cup of blessing. Bring me to a greater devotion to Your Supper, and keep me from dishonoring that holy gift. Help me to be truer to You, and more loyal to Your holy Word. Amen
Pastor Steven K. Gjerde
