It is interesting and instructive to learn that the practice of communion, or the Lord’s Supper, began in the homes.  We read of those in the early church in Acts 2:46-47, “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and BREAKING BREAD FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”  Today, most people use the term ‘breaking bread’ to denote having a meal together, but we see here that eating their meat, or having a meal, is listed separately.  So, saved people came together each day to remember the Lord in their houses.  Later, we see this turned into a weekly meeting as we read in Acts 20:7, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples CAME TOGETHER TO BREAK BREAD, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.”  This remembrance of the Lord was very important to those early Christians, and it should be very important for us today.  This is the Lord’s desire and request.

This event of taking communion is so special.  Let’s read of the institution of this feast in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”

It was on that night the Lord met with His disciples just prior to His crucifixion.  He expressed to them His desire to be remembered.  He gave them two symbols to represent Himself…a loaf of bread to represent His body and a cup of wine to represent His blood.  We read in Luke 22:19-20, “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”  It pleases the Lord when we react to His simple request to be remembered, and this should be important to all believers.  It is a very special way that we can worship the Lord together with those we fellowship with.

Now, let’s read Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  The Lord wants us to be gathered together as believers for ministry, fellowship, and worship.  We should not FORSAKE gathering together with fellow believers.  To forsake means to stay away from the gathering of believers when there is really no excuse.  We should always gather with fellow believers unless we have a legitimate reason for staying away.  Poor health, being disabled, contagious colds, etc. would be legitimate reasons to stay away from fellow believers.

In your situation, it seems you cannot get out to be together with those you fellowship with because of your health.  Certainly, the Lord knows and understands your situation.  In the day in which we live, technology allows us to do things we could not do just a few years ago.  If it is not possible to be with others, I can see no reason you cannot participate in the communion service while at home along with the others.  You should make sure the people in your church group are aware of what you are doing so they know they are fellowshipping with you in the remembrance of the Lord.  I’m thankful you have such a tender heart for the Lord that you want to obey His desire to be remembered.  (CC)  (678.6)