Sunday morning, February 17, will we have a wonderful time of worship and celebration which will include the observance of the Lord’s Supper. The Table of the Lord is one of the two ordinances give to the church, baptism being the other. It is to be a memorial to the work of Christ in redeeming His people. We do not believe that the Table is a “sacrament.” Grace is not dispensed to us in our receiving the elements. We do not believe that the bread becomes the body or the fruit of the vine becomes His blood. Rather we believe they are powerful symbols of His body and blood. It is a picture of what Christ has accomplished it is a symbol of redemption. However we do not believe it is a “mere” symbol. We must be careful that we not under value the Lord’s Table. For that reason we do not tack it on to the end of a service as an afterthought instead it is the focus of the service.
When we gather around the Table it is a holy moment. It is a special and unique experience as we look back and remember and as we look ahead in hope. It is a church ordinance; therefore it is for the church. It is for those who have placed their faith and trust in Christ and in Christ alone for salvation and life. I do believe it is necessary to “fence” the Table in that it is my responsibility to warn, from the Scripture, of the danger of taking the Supper in an “unworthy” manner. When Paul uses this language he is talking about approaching the observance in a flippant or irreverent manner. He is not suggesting there are those who are worthy and others who are unworthy to take the bread and cup. All are unworthy in that sense. None of us deserve Christ. Paul warns that some have approached the observance irreverently and as a result some are sick others have died. It is a serious matter. He further instructs, “Let a man examine his own heart.” I cannot stand at the table and say, “You are okay…you are not.” My judgment is fallible. You may give every appearance that all is well and yet your heart be as black at night. When we come in humility and honesty to lovingly take of the elements it is a glorious thing. But if you approach it from arrogance and flippantly you will be drinking judgment unto yourself.
I bid you come to the Table of the Lord this coming Lord’s Day but advisedly and in the fear of God. I’ll see you Sunday.
Rod