THE HOPE OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST: A Promised Consummation

For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26)

We are told to observe the Lord’s Supper until Christ returns.  As we look to the past and Christ’s death on the cross, and look about us in the present communion we share with the Savior and the saints, we must also look ahead and above for the King who will return—not crowned with thorns, but glory; not with spikes in His hands, but the scepter of universal dominion.  What a day that will be!

There is this dimension of the meal—that looks to the future and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.  That is when communion will be complete.  One of our church members, Harry Scruggs wrote a poem that speaks of this reality in a powerful way:

WHEN COMMUNION WITH HIM IS COMPLETE

            When you’ve dipped in the blood that was spilled in your stead

            And you’ve drunk from the cup and eaten the bread
            When your sacrifice of praises is laid at His feet
            Then communion with Him is complete.

            When the power of the Word scales the walls of your heart

            And breaks down the barriers that keep you apart
            When beams from the Son cause the shadows to flee
            Then communion with Him is complete.

            When you drink from the well and your thirst finds relief

            And trust in the Word changes doubt to belief
            When your hope and your faith overcome your defeat
            Then communion with Him is complete.

            When the cares of the world all have been laid aside

            And love for the Savior has diminished your pride
            When His will for your life of Him you entreat
            The communion with Him is complete.

            When the King of the Ages you’ve met face to face

            And knelt in His presence and His glory embraced
            When “To God Be the Glory” you forever repeat         
            The communion with Him is complete.