With Deep Longing

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: Luke 22:7-20

14 When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. 15 Jesus said, “I have looked forward to this hour with deep longing, anxious to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. 16 For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” 17 Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. 18 For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.” 19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.” (Luke 22:14-20 NLT)

I’m feeling a little sad! But I’m also feeling thankful and hopeful! Sunday we shared online communion, and Jesus’ words, “I have looked forward to this hour with deep longing, anxious to eat this Passover meal with you…” rang in my heart like a bell! Because we were sharing communion in front of a computer screen. During the pandemic, when we were all trying to find our way forward, many churches quickly and creatively adapted and adopted! So we were still able to “meet” online. Then in early 2021, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer and received a Stem Cell Transplant as part of my treatment. The SCT completely wiped out my immune system, and my ongoing maintenance chemo keeps my immune system suppressed. So I avoid crowds and still isolate a great deal. I can’t travel internationally as I once did (age and health). So I’m feeling a little sad – longing for what I’m missing.

But I’m feeling thankful for the innovative ways we quickly learned to stay in touch! I’m thankful for Facebook live streaming for our church services. I’m thankful for Zoom meetings with family and friends near and far. I’m thankful for emails and Facebook messages and text messages. I’m thankful for medical care that helps keep me having birthdays! There’s so much to be thankful for!

I’m feeling hopeful because the church has flexibility, and we can adjust and adapt and learn new ways to do old things. We’ll keep going with a little more wisdom and understanding of what really matters! But I do feel a little sad!

Prayer:

Father, I miss things I’ve grown accustomed to and comfortable with. But I’m thankful for what I have and I’m hopeful for continued progress on so many fronts. Please don’t let us miss the lessons to learn! Amen.