Why would God do this? Do what?

Cause some members of the Corinthian congregation to getsick and die over the Lord’s Supper.

They took the Real Presence of Jesus for granted,haphazardly, perhaps mindlessly and most certainly, sinfully.

God wasn’t happy with them.

Most stunningly, it shows who is present and presiding atthe Holy Communion rail, none other than Jesus Himself! Oh, we see the pastorthere. But unseen is the true High Priest, Jesus Christ. The pastor is thereonly to do the Lord’s bidding.

This Meal and moment is no mere trip to American FamilyRestaurant.

Since the fall into sin by Adam, God has restricted accessback to Him. The Old Testament required the blood of animals as safety fromGod’s anger over sin. God set up the way to approach Him.

Jesus’ blood is now such a safety, a holy covering, to beable to approach and stand in His presence.

I fear many today have no sense for God’s holiness, no fearor trepidation over their sin. Beware!

The Lord’s Supper is not an OTC product (over the counter),whereby anyone can go to the pharmacy and buy. Rather, it’s a prescriptionmedicine that has severe side effects. One must be instructed, taught by theWord and Spirit.

This is why our Lutheran Confessions state (year 1529): “Forwe do not intend to admit to the sacrament and administer it to those who donot know what they seek or why they come,” (Book of Concord, Tappert, p. 447).

God requires self- and pastor-led examination (1 Cor. 4:1;11:28; 2 Cor. 13:5).

Access is restricted for God’s honor and for the safeapproach by His people.

The season of Advent teaches patience and hope. But it alsoteaches a right preparation to meet and greet the Savior in the Holy Meal andon the Last Day: A deep sorrow over sin and a child-like trust in His promises.

It’s not complicated but…

The Corinthian church failed to understand this.

Pastor Golter is the Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran

So, I’m reading “Contagious Generosity: Creating a Culture of Giving in Your Church.”

It’s a good book; you ought to take a peek.

Of course, a pastor this time of year is thinking Advent and Christmas and God’s giving of His Son.

I read this statement: “It’s not enough to say that we want to be a generous church. We must also ensure that the steps we take toward generosity are natural…rather than contrived. If we seek change from people but fail to develop a culture that inspires and supports generous habits, we should not expect to achieve the long-term vision of having a more generous church,” (emphasis added, p. 33).

“Generous habits” caught my eye.

And I thought, “My, page after page of Holy Scripture, God’s habit is generosity!”

The most remembered bible verse of all is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave…”

Another possible translation is this: “For in this way…”

It’s God’s habit; it’s what God does.

And it’s most explicit in the giving of His Son, the birth, life and, in particular, the crucifying of His Son.

The more you hang around Jesus in church and bible study, well, you pick up the same habit: generosity.

You are given to so you give away.

You’re not looking first to get a return or to seek the praise of others. You look to give.

It’s the Christian habit.

Think of this when exchanging gifts.

Pastor Golter is the Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran