Looking back makes us realise that our God delivers on His promises. He promised deliverance to the Children of Israel - and provided it. He promised a Saviour, not just for the Jews but for the whole world - and He provided it. Looking back strengthens our faith and encourages us to hold fast to all the promises God has given us. Each time we take communion, we are 'raising an Ebeneezer' like the prophet Samuel of old. We are putting down a marker saying, "Hitherto the Lord has led us....the Lord will provide."

When we take communion we look around....
Communion is not an individualistic act. The word communion means a 'joining together'. As each of us takes the elements we are saying to each other: "I, like you, am a sinner saved by the grace of God. I, like you, love Jesus. I, like you, need the continuing renewing power of the Holy Spirit in my life. Let us serve the Lord, together."

Communion reduces to naught all our notions of status and importance, all our values, all our pride and prejudices about each other. We see that, together, before Jesus, we are all equally worthless, but equally loved and treasured by Him. And we are called to take His values, His love for each of His people out of our communion service into our daily lives.

When we take communion we look forward....
There are three great feasts ordained in the history of the people of God. Two of these already occurred: the Passover of Moses and the Last Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ. The third great feast event has yet to happen: it is the Marriage Feast of the Lamb. Each time the children of Israel took the Passover they were affirming thier belief in the coming of a promised Saviour. Each time we celebrate the Lord's Supper, we are affirming our belief in the return of the glorified Lord Jesus.