Romans 5:17 – For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! (NIV)

This morning when I drove into the church parking lot, I was surprised to see a flock of blue jays hopping on the grass in front of our Fellowship Hall. They were feeding on something, but as there were no berries on the trees, I wondered what they were eating. As I watched a few of them fly away, I saw that they had small white cubes in their beaks. I quickly realized that they were feeding on the communion bread from last Sunday morning!

After each communion service, instead of putting the elements in the garbage or down the drain, or allowing them to be consumed in a non-sacramental way, our church elders dispose of the extra bread and wine by emptying the cup's contents on the grass and scattering the small squares of bread on the lawn. Eventually, God's creatures come and feed on the elements: insects, birds, and small animals. Today, however, was the first time that I have seen any of them actually taking communion!

Grace is a wonderful gift that we've been given through Christ, so that we may dwell with God in His eternal kingdom. Seeing the blue jays feeding on the bread crumbs reminded me of the simple way that my heavenly Father nourishes me with the bread of life and the cup of salvation.

May you experience the richness of God's grace and the blessing of His goodness today.

Questions for reflection: What does communion mean to me? How have I experienced God's grace through it?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of grace that You purchased for us through the giving of Your body and blood. We know that we do not deserve such a bounteous blessing, so we are humbly grateful for what You have done and what we have been given. In Your holy name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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