“For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.”
1 Corinthians 11:30
Living in Sun City, one becomes aware that age has taken its toll on the majority of us. In fact, though we may well beat the odds of the average life span, and though we qualify as The First Active Retirement Community, and a majority of us continue to utilize our bodies and brains in one way or another, our Hospital in the middle and perhaps the most doctors in a concentrated 40,000 people, sickness of one type or another occupies is a major subject of discussion.
Let’s get something straight; it is quite possible that an awful high percentage might have come here because of health reasons. Who knows? I certainly don’t! One cannot help but notice the high number of awards achieved in competitive sports for seniors. Not bad at all!
There is a problem presented in 1 Corinthians 11 that should be called to our attention. It deals with what some might call the Eucharist, others the Holy Communion, The Lord’s Supper, or some other name. Without delving into the arguments of literal, figurative, spiritual, I would direct our attention to one verse in particular: “For this reason many among you are weak and sick and a number sleep.” (v30)
That verse is tucked in the middle of a number of verses having to do with personal self judgment. A person is advised to search his heart, confess his sin, experience forgiveness, prior to participation in taking of the bread and wine in remembrance of the body and blood of Christ. Failure to do this might well result in “sickness” or even “sleep”. (That word “sleep” refers to death.) The Communion celebration is never to be taken lightly!
Two things emerge out of this passage that is enjoined upon every professed believer in Jesus Christ. 1) Remember His death on our behalf! 2) Remember that He will soon return! We are to be ready… cleansed and looking forward to His return!
ETCetera 