So Come, and Welcome Home

With the Reformers, we confess that Jesus comes to us in the Word and in the Sacraments. The gospel is proclaimed and read, the gospel is poured and sprinkled (or you might get dunked in it), and now we come to eat and drink the gospel.

In the providence of God this means that we basically have a trinity of expressions of Jesus. Jesus comes in the word, Jesus comes in the water, and Jesus comes at the table. Just as in God, the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit each point to the other, giving glory to one another, so too, in the Word and Sacraments. The Word proclaimed points to the water, you were washed in and the bread you eat, and the wine you drink and the people eating and drinking around you. The Water points to the Word that proclaims the promises of forgiveness to you and to your children, and the table that proclaims the death of Christ until He comes.

And likewise, this table points you back to Jesus in His Word and Jesus in the Water. This table reminds you of what God has already spoken to you: you are justified, you are righteous in Jesus, and this table reminds you of what God has already spoken over you: His own name has been placed on you. You’re part of His family, and so look around you: these are your people. You belong here at this family table because you belong to Jesus.

If you haven’t been baptized and if you aren’t sure you’ve been forgiven, then please talk to someone after the service. Talk to me, talk to Pastor Wilson, talk to one of the elders or deacons up here.

What do the three expressions of Jesus say? What does the trinity of word, water, and table mean? It means that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. While we were still enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son. So come, and welcome home.