Emphasis Preaching Journal

Myrtle is the oldest member of the church who now resides in a nursing home. One Sunday someone brought her to church. As she entered the sanctuary it almost seemed like it was the first time she had been to church. Her memory was slipping at 96 years old. People made an extra effort to greet her. It was truly good to see this saint of the church. Whenever anyone asked how long she had been a member of the church she never gave an exact number of years. The pastor stated that it must have been over sixty years. Myrtle played an important role in the life of the church. She taught Sunday school for years and was active in the women’s circle. Perhaps what people remembered the most was how she stood at the front door to welcome people to the church. When it was time for communion, John wheeled Myrtle to the altar. The pastor gave her a piece of bread, looking in her eyes saying, “The body of Christ broken for you.” She looked at the bread in her hand for the longest time before she put it to her lips. She had difficulty grasping the plastic cup as the pastor handed it to her, “The blood of Christ shed for you.” Slowly she put the cup to her lips. As she was wheeled back to her pew John noticed tears in many of the worshipers’ eyes. Many were deeply moved by Myrtle’s example. She loved Jesus and served her church well. Myrtle lived out and believed Jesus’ words “Whoever eats of this bread will live forever.” Jesus declared that he is the “bread of life.” There were some in the crowd who questioned Jesus. It was as if they were wearing blinders, they could not see Jesus for who he truly was the Son of God. Jesus stated, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.”