Surviving Chaos

A Communion Meditation

When our kids were little, we looked forward to this time of year, especially carving pumpkins together. One year we created a hilarious scene of family pumpkins where one of the pumpkins looked like it was spitting pumpkin seeds all over the other ones. When we finished with our creation, the kids thought it was the funniest thing they had ever seen, and we laughed about it all night long.

But as time progressed and the seasons changed, those bright, funny looking pumpkins began to fade. They grew soft, moldy, and eventually had to be thrown into the trash. Life moved on and we didn’t think much of our hilarious pumpkins.

Fast forward several months. Something unexpected happened. During the early summer, we noticed something growing out of our front garden that we hadn’t planted. There was a single green vine growing amidst the flowers. Somehow, one of those discarded pumpkin seeds had found its way into the soil. Against all odds the pumpkin seed had taken root. And over time, it grew into a strong, healthy pumpkin plant.

That little seed reminds me of something powerful: life coming out of death.

In John 12:24, Jesus said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone [or a single seed]; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” Jesus spoke those words as He prepared for the cross — to remind His followers that His death wasn’t the end of the story. It was the beginning of new life for all who believe in Him.

When Jesus went to the cross his body was beaten, broken, and bruised. Then his lifeless body was buried in a borrowed tomb. But like the pumpkin seed life would come out of death. Jesus would become the source of resurrection and eternal life for all of us who believe.

And that’s what we remember as we come to the Lord’s Table today.
The bread reminds us of His body — given for us.
The cup reminds us of His blood — poured out for the forgiveness of our sins.

Out of His death life came for us who believe.

So today, as you hold these elements, pause and remember:
Where there was death, Jesus brought life.
Where there was darkness, He brought light.
Where there was hopelessness, He planted eternal hope. Not for a few, but for all!

Let’s Pray.