The Table and Tribulations

The last verse from our sermon text this morning says, “Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.”  Paul would not have the Ephesians be depressed or worried over his tribulations, his imprisonment, for it was their glory.  His message of salvation cost him his freedom – but it gave the Ephesians theirs.

Paul was imitating Christ who gave thanks as He instituted a ritual that would declare His broken body and shed blood.  He gave thanks for His coming tribulation for it would be for the glory of His disciples – and life for the world.

We partake by faith and in Christ and in the power of His Spirit we too rejoice in the filling out of the sufferings of Christ, which we, His body, goes through – and we rejoice looking for the glory which will be wrought in His body – in us and in our brothers and sisters, because we are poured out for them.  This is communion – the communion of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  And it gives all aspects of life meaning and purpose.