RECOVERY OF COMMUNION (Luke 24:13-32)

COVID has been a huge Stress Test—Big Time

A couple of days ago, I had Marlee sitting on my back while I attempted pushups. The example is representative of the following

The added responsibilities of grands to those who are otherwise retired

A newborn

Caregiving for an elderly family member or one with health challenges

In every “body group” there are stress factors, challenges ...

Recovery is the act of regaining or saving something lost (or in danger of becoming lost)

Bodily Recovery Entails:

Rest

Replenishment of vital fluids, electrolytes, and nutrition (food and supplements)

Rebuilding of muscles broken down by exertion and stress

Without Recovery the Body will breakdown, give out, become sickly, slow down and perform poorly.

REST

When the flesh is itchy, the world enticing and the devil so loud, we need rest.

With the day in, day out tyranny of our devices, alerts, texts, emails, and a flood of posts screaming out “urgent”, we need rest.

With the daily, week to week, grind upon families and individuals, we need rest.

Communion is a call for rest...

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther.

But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. Luke 24:28-29

....for Sabbath Keeping

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy”

Call to Communion with God

Psalm 46:10 says “Be Still and Know that I am God”

REMEMBER

Remember Who / Whose You Are.

“Do this is remembrance of me.” Jesus spoke these words before His passion. On the other side of Calvary, in recovery mode, the two disciples recognize Jesus during table fellowship—in His blessing and breaking the bread.

Remembering involves knowing. Do you know Jesus? More importantly, are you known by Jesus? Knowing Jesus does not always reflect relationship.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 speaks of being “known by God” … the Covenant making and covenant keeping God.

Being known by Jesus means that there is an intimate friendship, engagement, and intimacy (Matthew 12:46-50, Jesus’ identification of His family).

Israel Houghton, “I am friend of God, He calls me ‘friend’”. What does God call you?

RENEW

“They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?’” Luke 24:32

Do you need a Word?

Are you desperate for it?

Does your entire being cry out for it?As long as we are comfortable and self-sufficient;?as long as we feel we have all the answers; we will not crave for the Holy Spirit.

“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says Yahweh” Jer. 30:17

“Christ redeemed us…so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13-14

If the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, why would we need Him when our lives are soo comfortable?

Lake’s quote about our sharing in the consequential dominion via Christ’s resurrection

REJOICE

Another name for Communion is The Eucharist (Thanksgiving). Communion is about getting your joy back.

The Reunion of the Lost Son with the Father was a Parable about Recovery—Recovery of Joy.

Rejoice

“Come and God with me to my Father’s house…Peace and Happiness there in my Father’s house.