It's on my heart to express a few thoughts about the remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ in His death.
Why are we at the Lord's table? What does it mean to be "in fellowship"? Do we break bread merely because other members of the family do so and we feel automatically that it's the proper thing to do? Or have we heard the invitation of the Lord Jesus?
Some of us can thank God sincerely for our parents who have led us to this happy Christian path by means of their words and their example. But let us never lose sight of the fact that it is the Lord Jesus Himself who has given us the invitation to His table. He said: "This do in remembrance of me." We will never have a higher privilege than this on earth while we wait and watch for His coming! As part of His assembly, we sit down at His table as invited guests. Although unseen to our natural eyes, He is there with us according to His word: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
It's also important to recognize that we did not come to the Lord's table on our own. The Holy Spirit brought us there, working through our heart's affections and faith. We are drawn to Christ like a piece of iron is drawn to a magnet.
In the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are free to meditate on His sufferings and agonies on the cross. By faith we see Him "bearing our sins in His own body on the tree." ( 1 Peter 2:2424Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:24)) In amazement and in adoration, our inmost hearts feel: "Oh, the wonder of it all!" How often we enjoy thoughts like these expressed in a hymn:
"Oh what a load was Thine to bear,
Alone in that dark hour;
Our sins in all their terror there,
God's wrath and Satan's power."
Thoughts we enjoy about the Lord during the week as we go about our various duties, can be stored up in our souls so they can be brought forth again for His glory when we sit down to remember Him on Lord's day. These enrich the tone of our praise and thanksgiving at this time. Like Mary's alabaster box of ointment poured out on Him, our hearts are opened forth to express worship of which He is so worthy. ( See Mark 14:33And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. (Mark 14:3) and John 12:33Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. (John 12:3)) Like a sweet odor to God our Father in heaven, words like these arise from our hearts:
May we not wait until Saturday night to fill our vessels with praise!
One of the most impressive things about the remembrance of the Lord is its simplicity. There is a loaf of bread, which symbolizes the personal body of Christ as well as the oneness of His body, the church. There is a glass of wine which symbolizes His precious blood shed for us on the cross. The simplicity manifests a beauty all its own.
In conversation before sitting down for the meeting, it's wise to avoid bringing up heavy subjects that would distract the minds of our brethren. How good too, to sit down a few minutes before the meeting starts to give time for meditation.
Visitors should be greeted warmly and be made to feel welcome. If they have come from another city and are unknown to the assembly, their letter of commendation can be received to be read to the assembly. Any special circumstances can be discussed in love at this time. Sometimes a hasty departure from home made it inconvenient for a brother or a sister to get a letter from their local brethren. In such cases, responsible brothers can ascertain the facts and make an appropriate announcement to the assembly before the meeting starts. All this will lead to mutual joy and proper order.
If visitors come in who are not in fellowship, they should be spoken to kindly and told ahead of time the reasons why the emblems and collection box will not be passed to them. This will be much appreciated by them and will prevent any embarrassment or subsequent hard feelings.
Everyone in the gathering should seek to become spiritually involved in what takes place during the meeting. Sisters can contribute by their silent prayers and worship. Brothers should seek to be led by the Holy Spirit to participate according to His leading at the proper time. Sometimes, the first hymn or prayer or Scripture portion sets the tone for the rest of the meeting. Brothers should be alert to act so that the bread would be broken neither too early nor too late. Remember that the main object of this meeting of the assembly is to break bread. Therefore, it should not be left to the end of the meeting. Promptness in giving thanks for the cup after the loaf has been returned to the table, is proper to avoid distractions and confusion that might occur. We read in the word of God: "Let all things be done decently and in order." ( 1 Cor. 14:4040Let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40))
After the remembrance of the Lord, the collection box may be passed to those who broke bread. Although not a part of the remembrance itself, this occasion provides a convenient time for this offering of love. Perhaps a hymn might be sung before the collection. Local customs vary. No definite rule is given in the Scriptures about this. It could be done at the end of the meeting and still be in order.
If time permits after the remembrance of the Lord, there is opportunity for a brother or two, or even three, to give a word of helpful ministry. The objective is to help God's people. Practical consideration should be given so that the meeting would not be prolonged beyond the limits of human endurance with special view to needs of mothers and their children. A helpful word about the significance of the meeting is often much appreciated.
A short time ago, I was impressed greatly when visiting another gathering, to watch a young sister make her way across the room after the meeting to greet an elderly couple. One of them was in a wheel chair and the other on crutches. Her greeting meant so much to them! What a lesson for some of us who may have a tendency to go our own way and neglect the dear afflicted saints of God among us.
Now here are some miscellaneous thoughts: If a brother gives out a hymn to which no one knows the tune, let's be thankful if the song would be read so all of us can enjoy the words. We will get the same blessing as if we had sung it. If two brothers act at the same time in giving out a hymn or in participating in some way, let one give place to the other. Both hymns can be sung in due order.
May we learn to be friendly—to smile—to give a warm handshake that makes visitors glad they have come to the meeting. Some persons have heavy hearts and need a good word of sincere encouragement that makes them feel we care about them. With some who are under discipline, we may not be able to shake hands for the present, but we can at least speak a kind word of greeting in love.
May the Lord Jesus Christ, our precious Savior, deepen in our hearts real affection for Himself. And may we realize more fully in our souls what it means to Him and to us to be gathered together for the purpose of remembering Him in death. To Him be all the praise and all the glory. He alone is WORTHY!