You Will See Me

You Will See Me

On the first Sunday of each month, my little church observes Communion. Our elders stand at the table, ready to serve those who make their way to the front. Some come alone, like me. Others come in family groups or as couples. Some stand with bowed heads and clasped hands. Some kneel, even though we have no kneeling benches.

To each person who comes, an elder says, “This is the body of Christ, broken for you,” and “This is the blood of the new covenant, poured out for you.” Then the elder prays for him or her by name. I look forward to these few moments and savor them—wanting them to linger like the bread on my tongue and the sweet taste on my lips.

Not long ago a saint of the Lord—upwards of eighty, with the kindest twinkling eyes—met me at the table with these words: “Leigh. What a privilege this is for me.” I felt tears spring to my eyes and begin their slow slide down my cheeks. I didn’t bother to wipe them away; I knew more would follow. After I swallowed the bread and set down my empty thimble cup, he placed his hand on my shoulder and prayed over me.

“You will see Me,” Jesus told his disciples at that last meal with them. “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19, NASB). And I do see him. As I pause to take in the wonder of such ordinary moments, I see him in that dear elder’s eyes. I see him in the family with their arms intertwined, encircling faithful generations. In the friend whose baby will arrive soon, and in the newlyweds struggling to make ends meet. I see him in the musicians who take the elements in even rhythm with each other, barely missing a beat between them. In the face of the woman who I know longs for a husband and in the quiet dignity of the wounded veteran who cannot kneel at all.

These are his people, joined in his remembering feast. And this is my family, with Christ’s reflected glory so bright on them that they seem to shine too. My heart almost breaks for loving them—and for the joy of seeing him afresh in them.

I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.

John 14:18