Edible Words

In 1 Cor 11, Paul warns us not to eat and drink in an unworthy manner (v27) because by drinking in this way we drink judgment on ourselves (v29).

So, how can we eat and drink in an unworthy manner? The answer is simple. To eat unworthily, just behave like the Corinthians.

How did they behave? In verse 18, Paul tells us. There were divisions among the members of the church. Or put another way, there was no church unity.

How were they divided?
First, there were factions; people united around various leaders.

Beowulf is one of the greatest medieval epic poems. It's set in Scandinavia. And towards the start of the poem, Beowulf sails to land of Danes, to rescue them from Grendel - a man-eating monster. The Danes have been terrorised by Grendel, and are completely helpless. But Beowulf comes and kills Grendel in hand-to-hand combat.

After his great victory, the poem describes the Danes' celebration in the Mead Hall. It's a scene full of singing, and drinking - a rowdy, rawcous, joyful celebration.

And it's a wonderful picture of what the Lord's Supper should be.

Heb. 2:14f says, 'Since the children share in flesh and blood, [God's Son] likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.'