Exodus 25, Luke 22

Monday, March 10, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker

"The ultimate answer to prayer."

(Exodus 25)

Just eight chapters ago, the Israelites were asking the question, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

As evidence of His hand, God gave them water from a rock, handed over the Amalekites supernaturally, revealed himself through a dense cloud and allowed the people to hear Him speaking to Moses, gave them the Ten Commandments, outlined rules and ethics of property, social responsibility and justice, gave the Sabbath laws, confirmed the Covenant, and now in chapter 25 is giving them instruction to make a mobile sanctuary for God that He might dwell among them wherever they may go. Yes, Israel, the Lord is among you.

Who says our God does not answer prayer?

(Luke 22)

Talk about answered prayer.

“After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." (vs.17-19)

I just realized that I’ve never really focused on the fact that Jesus did not partake in this last supper. While I know he was offering an amazing act of symbolism of Him laying down His life, I always envisioned Him taking communion with His disciples. But He did not eat the bread. He did not drink of the cup. He only gave thanks for it, broke it, and gave it away.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45

God, we are so self-focused. In almost all we do, we somehow make it about us. Even as we serve, it’s hard not to do so out of a debtor’s heart. We give 10% of our lives (on a good day) and keep 90%. Feel good about our selves and press on. Jesus poured out His life for us, in every way. He never stopped serving. Thank you for giving us this ultimate example for life. As Christ followers, Lord, teach us to be just that, followers of Christ. Help us to not “lean on our own understanding.” Help us to not “gain the world but lose our soul.” Help us to trust your way and not create our own that we might not find ourselves only “chasing after the wind.”