Grace We Can See

Scripture: Matthew 28:18–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Acts 2:41–42

Devotion:
God knows that we are forgetful people. That is one reason we keep photographs, wear wedding rings, observe anniversaries, and build memorials. Important realities must be brought back to our attention.

Christ knows our weakness even better than we do. Therefore, he has given his church more than words to hear. He has given us water, bread, and the cup. Through the ordinances, we see, touch, taste, and publicly confess the gospel.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are signs because they point beyond themselves to Christ. They are proclamations because they visibly announce the gospel. They are church ordinances because Christ entrusted them to his gathered people. They are also means of grace because the Holy Spirit uses them, together with the Word, to confirm Christ’s promises, strengthen faith, and nourish the church.

This does not mean that the water, bread, or cup possesses saving power. The ordinances do not work automatically or mechanically. The water cannot wash away guilt, and the bread and cup cannot create faith. The power is not in the elements; the power is in Christ, who is received by faith.

We must avoid two opposite errors. The first is superstition—trusting the ordinance instead of trusting Christ. The second is neglect—treating Christ’s gifts as spiritually insignificant. The ordinances are not magical, but neither are they empty.

This connects them directly to the habits of grace. We do not practice these habits to persuade God to be gracious. We practice them because God is already gracious. The Word makes the ordinances understandable, and the ordinances make the Word visible.
The next time you witness a baptism or come to the Lord’s Table, do not allow familiarity to make you careless. Listen to the gospel being proclaimed through the water, bread, and cup. Look beyond the sign to the Savior. Receive Christ’s promises with faith and gratitude.
In baptism, we see grace identifying a sinner with Christ. At the Table, we see grace sustaining believers through Christ. In both, we see grace.

Reflection Question: Do you tend to approach the ordinances with superstition, neglect, or expectant faith in the Christ they proclaim?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for knowing my weakness and giving your church visible reminders of the gospel. Keep me from trusting the ordinances instead of you, but also keep me from neglecting the gifts you have appointed. Use your Word and ordinances to strengthen my faith and direct my heart again to your finished work. Amen.