Today's readings are Numbers 22.1-20 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Num.+22.1-20 ) and Luke 22.1-23 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+22.1-23 ).
We see many times in Scripture that God appoints things which seem unusual to us to work his works in this world. We see it in the fact that we are unable to earn our forgiveness but have to receive it as a gift. We see it in God's unexpected choice of heirs to his promise - younger and less seemingly significant people to receive inheritances, small nations overthrowing great ones, etc If we read Scripture honestly it should come as no surprise that we cannot explain something God says, but rather must accept God at his word.
The same thing happens in Jesus' statements at the Last Supper in Luke 22, where we read "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood'" (ESV).
Notice that Jesus specifically does not say that the bread symbolizes his body or the wine symbolizes his blood. He specifically does not refer to a spiritual presence. He very clearly and specifically uses language which indicates that he is present in the bread and wine. Paul's statements in 1 Corinthians 11 seem to indicate quite the same point of view, that after the resurrection and ascension, when believers gather, there are both bread and body, both wine and blood. The elements don't appear to change from being truly bread and wine. Yet we see that the Scripture affirms they are body and blood. We do not know how this can happen. The result of attempts to explain how it happens have a bad history of resulting in divisiveness in several directions. Better to affirm the Scriptural truth and accept it as it is given.
Can Jesus be present with his believers in a real physical manner after the resurrection? He certainly can. Can Jesus be present physically at all times? Certainly. Is there a limit to the supernatural yet physical body and blood of Christ? Only if he himself imposes such a limit.
While what I have said above may not be persuasive to many people, that is all right. There are much finer theologians and authors than myself who have also provided arguments which have been discounted by other fine theologians and authors. The argument will continue, probably as long as people live on this earth.
There is something which is not open to dispute. Jesus' body and blood are given FOR YOU - the recipient. When we participate in the Lord's Supper, the sacrament instituted by Jesus himself, we personally are participants in Jesus' death and resurrection. His body and blood are given and shed for us. So look not to other people in order to be glad for their receiving spiritual nourishment. This is one area of the Christian life where we are almost encouraged to be greedy. Jesus' life is given FOR YOU - now you are to receive it, revel in it, rejoice in God's provision. Jesus did not give his body and blood so we could have theological arguments. He gave his body and blood to redeem the world to himself. And you who receive Jesus' body and blood in faith are a participant in that redemption. Glory in the supernatural provision made for you by your redeemer.
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