16 July 2026
Paul concludes his instruction about the Lord’s Supper with these words, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Communion is much more than a quiet moment of personal reflection. Every time the church gathers around the Lord’s Table, it publicly declares the heart of the gospel. As Mark Penrith said, “Every time you eat the bread and drink the cup, you are preaching a silent, visible, yet thunderous sermon.” The bread and the cup point every eye to Jesus Christ, who died for sinners and rose again in victory.
That proclamation reaches beyond the present. Paul reminds us that we proclaim Christ’s death “until he comes.” The Lord’s Supper does not only look back to the cross. It also looks forward to the King’s return. Mark explained, “The table is an ongoing, visible declaration that Christ’s victory is final and His return is certain.” Every communion service reminds us that history is moving toward the day when Jesus will gather His people to Himself. Our hope rests in a living Saviour who will keep every promise He has made.
This future hope changes the way we live today. We are not simply waiting for better circumstances or a more comfortable life. We are waiting for Christ. Mark urged his hearers, “The door of salvation stands ajar. Run to it and you will be saved.” He also reminded believers that, “He will soon come again.” That truth gives purpose to ordinary days. It encourages faithfulness at work, patience at home, and perseverance when life feels difficult. Christians live differently because we know the story is not over.
As you go through this week, let your hope in Christ’s return shape your decisions. Live as someone who expects to meet the King. If you have children, use your next family meal to explain why your church celebrates communion. Help them understand that the bread and the cup remind us not only that Jesus died for our sins, but also that He is coming again. Every communion service invites us to remember His sacrifice and to anticipate His return with joyful expectation.
If someone watched your life this week, what would they conclude about your hope?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the finished work of Christ and the certain promise of His return. Help me live each day with confidence, faithfulness, and joyful expectation as I wait for my King. Amen.