Devotional: Already & Not Yet – How Communion Anchors Our Past, Present, and Future

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. – 1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV)

When we take communion, we’re doing more than eating a little piece of bread and sipping from a tiny cup. We’re stepping into something Jesus designed to pull our eyes in two directions at the same time—backward to the cross and forward to the Kingdom.

Looking back, we remember what Jesus did for us. That bread in your hand? It’s a picture of His body, given for you. That cup? It represents His blood, poured out for the forgiveness of your sins. And this isn’t just about recalling a Bible story—it’s about realizing this is your story. He took your place. He bore your punishment. He broke your chains.

But communion doesn’t stop there. Jesus said He wouldn’t drink from the fruit of the vine again until He drinks it new with us in His Father’s Kingdom. That means there’s a day coming—a real day in history—when we’ll sit at a table with Jesus as the presider of the greatest banquet the universe has ever seen. Isaiah calls it a feast with the best meats and the finest wine. Revelation calls it the wedding supper of the Lamb. I just call it the ultimate party. And you’re invited.

And here’s the part we can’t miss—communion also strengthens us right now. It humbles us when we start to think we can handle life on our own. It softens our hearts when we’re holding on to a grudge. It gives perspective when we’re walking through suffering or facing injustice, reminding us we have a Savior who suffered too—and who’s promised to make all things new.

So every time you hold that bread and cup, remember this: you’re declaring, Jesus has saved me, He’s coming again, and I belong to Him. It’s not just a moment in the service—it’s a reminder that your life is part of a much bigger story, and that story ends in celebration.

Prayer

Jesus,
Thank You for giving Your body and shedding Your blood for me. Help me never to just go through the motions when I take communion. Use that moment to humble me, to soften me, and to remind me of the hope I have in You. When I’m tempted to give up, strengthen me. When I’m tempted to hold a grudge, help me forgive. And keep my eyes fixed on the day when I’ll sit at Your table and celebrate with You forever. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. When you take communion, what do you usually focus on—the past, the future, or the present?

2. How does remembering Jesus’ sacrifice change the way you see what you’re going through right now?

3. Is there someone you need to forgive before coming to the Lord’s table?

4. What difference would it make if you saw yourself every day as someone invited to God’s ultimate banquet?

Practical Application

This week, get ready for communion before you even walk in the door.

• Look Back – Thank Jesus for the cross and remember the cost of your freedom.

• Look Forward – Picture the day you’ll sit at the great banquet with Him.

• Look Around – Ask God if there’s someone you need to make things right with before you take the bread and cup.

Don’t let it be just another part of the service. Let it be a moment where you remember, celebrate, and refocus.

Communion pulls us in three directions—backward to the cross, forward to the Kingdom, and inward to the present work God is doing in our hearts. It’s a proclamation of what Jesus has done and a declaration of what He will do. Every time we share the bread and cup, we’re not just participating in a ritual—we’re rehearsing for the party of eternity with our King. And the best news? God moved heaven and earth to make sure you got an invitation.