Examine Yourself Before Taking Communion

# 310 - Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 21:4-6, “And the priest answered David and said, "There is no common bread on hand; but there is holy bread, if the young men have at least kept themselves from women." 5 Then David answered the priest, and said to him, "Truly, women have been kept from us about three days since I came out. And the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in effect common, even though it was sanctified in the vessel this day." 6 So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread which had been taken from before the LORD, in order to put hot bread in its place on the day when it was taken away. (1 Sam 21:4-6) Please note that the priest only gave the bread to David and his men AFTER David had assured him that he and his men had been sexually pure. Had David answered the priest in the negative, it is likely the priest would have sent him on his way without bread. Sexual immorality matters to God! I believe that this portion of Scripture paints a picture for us of what we call Holy Communion. This bread was consecrated by the priests, just like the bread we eat in communion is consecrated by a spiritual leader with the words, “ on the night that He was betrayed took bread,” and so on. After being blessed, the spiritual leader distributes it to the spiritually hungry participants of Holy Communion. But the Bible warns us that not all should receive it! Sometimes it is more merciful to withhold the bread from an unrepentant sinner than to give it to him or her. 1Co 11:27-31 says, “Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.” Judge yourself. Don't put it on others. Are you living in sin? Repent of it! Have godly sorrow over your sin. Purpose in your heart to turn from it, then come to the table for the spiritual nourishment and strength that God wishes to give you! In the Book of Revelation, Jesus calls upon the church in Pergamum to repent of their sexual immorality. If they do, He promises to give them “hidden manna” and a white stone with a new name written on it.” This promise is for you too brother and sister. You can turn from your sins and be given a fresh start in Jesus. Father, grant us the gift of repentance wherever needed.