Clay in the Hands

We had our first night of our local sports camp last night and it was a blast.  We did not have very many kids there but I was really proud of our church folks who showed up to give of their time and to show the love of Jesus to kids.  There will probably be  many stories for the blog over the next few days, generated from this 3 day event.

Last night, when it came to the snack station, the snack crew had all the kids sit around the picnic tables and then served them red coolaid and animal cookies.  One of the little boys, Grady, got all excited and asked, “Is this Jesus’ blood and skin?”  We explained that it was simply a snack, but I had to move away so that no one could see me laughing.  It was great!

I have thought about that question since then and have been touched by Grady’s understanding of communion.  When we offer the sacraments in a service, we try and make it a worshipful experience which normally takes a very serious and solemn tone – and it should.  We state that the worship experience is to remember our Lord’s sacrifice of his blood and body when he died on the cross.

But how often does it become vivid and real to us?  Has it become just another ritual? Grady, so wise at 7, understands.  The sacraments symbolize something very real. They don’t just symbolize something intangible – they symbolize real blood shed, and real flesh that was broken and beaten and pierced – skin that can be touched.

Wow!  Thanks Grady for your wisdom!  It reminded me that Jesus’ sacrifice was very real and very personal!