On Being Poured Out

This communion meditation was given at King's Cross Church on December 17, AD 2023.

In Philippians 2 the Apostle Paul writes, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross…” (2:5–8).

Here at this Table we are reminded of the humility of Christ, the One who came down from heaven in order to become a servant of all. And the Apostle Paul says that this is not just something we ought to acknowledge or admire, but something we are to imitate. In the life of Christ, beginning with His incarnation all the way to His death, we find our chief example of what it looks like to live for the glory of God.

Immediately after this passage, Paul speaks of his own life of service, writing that he is being poured out as a drinking offering (Phil. 2:17). But it is his joy to do this, to lay his life down, for by doing so he is building up the faith of the saints – in order that they too might imitate him as he imitates Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). 

And so this morning you may be worn out, exhausted, and tired. For this past week you have been pouring out your life for others. If that’s the case, it’s very important to understand that none of this is an indication that something has gone wrong in your life. Rather, that feeling of weakness is great assurance that you are walking in the footsteps of Christ. That you are imitating the One who poured out His life for you. 

So as part of God’s gift of Sabbath rest, come to His table. Be refreshed by the offering of your Lord. Receive the blessing of this holy sacrament, in order that you may continue to be a blessing to those Christ has entrusted to You. 

Come, and welcome, to Jesus Christ.