What I think about when I take communion.

I like going to church ever Sunday. The 1st Sunday is special. Why? Because I get to take communion at the end of there service. 

I used to take communion as just a religious ritual. I didn't really take it so serious or had never thought of the reason why we christians take communion every month, until  3 years ago.

It was November 6th 2016. ( I got the through back notification on facebook yesterday lol)

I was still new to the church I was going at that time. 

Before starting to going to the church, I had not been to Japanese speaking church. Well, technically I had maybe once or twice. But I was just visiting the church with my friend. 

So, I did not have any chance to understand the true meaning of communion in my 1st language. Honestly. didn't care about it too. 

The community church(oo cross church) I went when I was living in Tokyo was bilingual church and they speak both Japanese and English during the message.

Finally, I get to hear the short message about communion as the pastor was leading us to it after he finished giving the message. 

He said 

"Communion is about remembering what Jesus has done for us. One man who had never sinned, has given up His precious life so that we sinners can live. As we take the wine and bread now, I want you to imagine the whole process of Jesus's suffering, Jesus walking up the hill with the cross on His shoulder and people torturing Him. Imagine the pain of His hands and feet being nailed. You have to remember that price He paid for us. He saved us from the death."

I was shocked. Because I thought that was so true. It was like mind-blowing experience and It opened my eyes of my heart.

It is so easy to forget how crazy it is that we are completely forgiven because of what Jesus has done for us. 

Recently, I found myself forgetting the fact and cos of the cross. Or maybe I am getting used to the condition of being aware that I am forgiven and loved by God. I know that is not right.

I should never ignore the cross and its suffering. I have to remember that God loved me so much that He sent His only son to the world and the holy man died for us. He gave us true lives that we can be happy with our heavenly father. I can't ask for more, right? I pray that I will keep being amazed by the unconditional love God offers me. 

John 3:16 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 6:51

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Matthew 26:26-29

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

This is one of my favorite christian songs. 

"Can you still be hungry? After all these years? 
Can you still be desperate? After all these years? 
Can you still be longing? After all these years?
 Oh, I'm still longing after all these years.
 I want more"

Let's stay hungry and thirsty for the Lord our God. Let's run after Jesus strongly.  

A pic of me from 3 years ago