Galatians 5:1

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

It is easy to read about the children of Israel and scoff at their infidelity to God and wonder, “Why did these stiff-necked people ever want to return to slavery?”  Let’s look in the mirror closely. If Christ’s freedom was to set us free then why do we ourselves return to the bonds of sin? Do we appreciate the freedom for which Christ died to make us free? I would dare to say there is some level of comfort, or some confine of familiarity that beckons us to return to bondage. How little we understand the promise to which God has called us and how great we diminish the rewards for which God has prepared us.

A Meditation for Communion

(Show the Vulcan sign)

This is arguably the most recognizable symbol to come out of movies or television. The Vulcan salute is a symbol recognizable across generations.

Leonard Nimoy died Friday at the age of 83. The actor, known for many roles, was best known for his for his portrayal of Spock in the hugely popular Star Trek franchise. Spock became one of the most recognizable characters in television and movie history.

Nimoy injected the greeting to help better the identity of the Vulcan people, separating them as unique among the universe recognizable by a common symbol–a salute. The Vulcan greeting is based upon a gesture of blessing used in certain Jewish worship observances known as the kohanim (koe-hah-NEEM). The hand forms the Jewish letter “shin.” This stands for the Hebrew word for “Shaddai,” meaning “Almighty [God].” Nimoy discusses this and other information regarding the symbol and it’s significance as a symbol for peace. Kohanim comes from the same Hebrew word for priest—Koheleth. In remembrance of a lost priestly line, Kohanim signifies the endurance of the priesthood. Jesus likewise serves an eternal priesthood.

Spock’s catch phrase was “Live long and prosper.” Fittingly, Nimoy had a long and prosperous life.

During our time of communion, our focus is not merely on the symbols of the fruit of the vine and the loaf, but on recognizing our identity in Christ as unique among the universe.

Christians understand that the only way to live eternally and prosper in the after-life is through Jesus Christ. We believe that he is the Savior of the world and the key to everlasting life. Look to the symbol of the cross for the inspiration of hope and your life will be everlasting and your prosperity will be an eternity with Christ whose life death and resurrection made for peace between God and us.

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”—John 14:6.