Monday, Feb. 8th, 2010

Bible Thoughts – “The Lord’s Supper”

Have you ever wondered why we call it that? I mean, it is you and I who are partaking of the emblems, right? Shouldn’t it be our supper in memory of Christ? Now that just sound ridiculous doesn’t it? We know why it is called the Lord’s supper, as revealed by the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 11:

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. (I Co. 11:23-26)

Well, let’s see… It was a dinner first offered by Jesus. Its entire meaning is devoted to what Jesus gave for our benefit. He gave His body for us; His body broken to heal our broken spirits. He gave His blood, so that a new covenant could come into effect, and the kingdom in power, that we could have a place of refuge in Him. Even our part is a proclamation of His glory, a focus upon His death, until He comes again.

Christ set an example for us to follow when He instituted the supper so long ago. Certainly no one would deny that. He has shown us WHAT to partake of and WHY. But can I also suggest that He has taught us HOW? In Matthew’s account of that night around the table, we read about how He drew their attention away from any divisive arguments and fully upon His purpose. He silenced them all, and they prayed to God giving thanks. Then they partook with meaning and purpose… and reverence! Afterward they sang a song, further reflecting that their hearts were completely immersed in the event.

God’s people would be outraged if we changed the WHAT of the supper (i.e. exchanged elements for milk and cookies). Folks would leave and never come back if we traded out the WHY of the event (i.e. making it a common meal for social enjoyment). Even a change in WHEN would be inconceivable (Mondays instead of “the first day of the week”). So, dare we show any tolerance for any deviation from the HOW? Isn’t it just as important that we maintain focus, reverence, and a good example during the single most important memorial in the history of the world?

Here’s why I suggest such things. A couple of sweet, godly ladies approached me after the lesson yesterday and told me there were a couple of things I should have added. One talked about the way men chew gum while serving us this supper. The other spoke of seeing folks passing notes and talking during the silent period of reflection we have during the supper. I encourage all our families to sit around the dinner table some time this week and discuss with spouse and children how much more important Christ’s meal is over any we have at home. And seek, if necessary, to sure up the HOW of our partaking, lest by lack of attention we “eat and drink judgment to ourselves.”

kris