Introduction
Today we come together to reflect on and partake in one of the most sacred practices within our faith: The Lord's Supper, also known as Holy Communion. In our tradition, this ordinance is a powerful expression of our faith, a moment of deep reflection, and a time to renew our commitment to our Savior. Today we will explore the profound meaning and significance of this sacred practice.
Malachi Chapter 1
The main theme of the book of Malachi can really be summed up in one sentence: Honoring the Name of God by living Godly lives.
The key verse is 1:11 – (ESV) For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.
The Outline of the Book of Malachi
- Doubting God's Love (1:1-5)
- Dishonoring God’s name (1:6-2:9)
- Profaning God’s Covenant (2:10-13)
- Questioning God’s Justice (2:17-3:6)
- Robing God’s House (3:7-12)
- Despising God’s Service (3:13-4:6)
Notice the progression as it starts with doubt and leads to despising.
So, what in the world does this have to do with communion? Look at verse 12 in chapter 1 of Malachi: (ESV) But you profane it when you say that the Lord's table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised.
Discussion about the Old Covenant and the New Covenant – “The Lord’s table” in both the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.
A church member scolded her pastor for preaching a series of sermons on “The Sins of the Saints.” “After all,” she argued, “the sins of Christians are different than the sins of other people.” “Yes,” agreed her pastor, “they’re worse.” They are worse, for when believers sin, they not only break the law of God, but they break the heart of God. When a believer deliberately sins, it isn’t just the disobedience of a servant to a master or the rebellion of a subject against a king; it’s the offense of a child against the loving Father. The sins we cherish and what we get away with bring grief to the heart of God.
Rising to the Challenge: Embracing God's High Standards
Imagine a teacher in a classroom setting high expectations for their students. The students are told they need to score at least 90% on a challenging final exam to pass. The teacher provides all the resources, extra help sessions, and practice exams needed to prepare the students.
Now, let’s say the day of the exam arrives, and many students find the test difficult. Instead of studying harder or seeking additional help, they approach the teacher and ask if the passing score can be lowered to 70%. They argue that it would be more reasonable and achievable for everyone.
The teacher, wanting to be kind, lowers the standard. As a result, more students pass the exam, but something significant is lost. The students miss out on truly mastering the material, on pushing themselves to their full potential, and on the pride and satisfaction of achieving a difficult goal. The lowered standard benefits them in the short term but ultimately hinders their growth and development.
In our walk with God, we often face His high standards—standards of holiness, righteousness, and love. These standards are not meant to burden us but to guide us toward becoming more like Christ. When we ask God to lower His standards because they seem too hard or inconvenient, we miss out on the transformative power of striving towards His perfect will.
Lowering God's standards may make life seem easier, but it can lead us away from the growth, maturity, and blessings that come from living according to His will. God’s standards are high because He desires the best for us, and with His help, we can rise to meet them.
The Institution of The Lord's Supper
The origins of The Lord's Supper are found in the Gospels, where Jesus, during His final Passover meal with His disciples, instituted this holy ordinance (Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20, 1 Cor 11:23-25). He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me." Then He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
The Symbolism of Bread and Wine
In our tradition, we use unleavened bread and grape juice to symbolize the body and blood of Christ. The bread represents Jesus' body, broken for our sins. It reminds us of His incarnation and the physical suffering He endured for our redemption. The cup symbolizes His blood, shed for the forgiveness of our sins. This new covenant in His blood is a testament to the grace and salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
A Time of Remembrance
Jesus' command to "do this in remembrance of me" calls us to reflect on His sacrificial love and atoning death. The Lord's Supper is a time to remember the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord. It is a moment to recall His teachings, His miracles, and most importantly, His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. This act of remembrance strengthens our faith and deepens our gratitude for the gift of salvation.
A Proclamation of Faith
As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). This ordinance is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ. It unites us with believers around the world and throughout history who share in this sacred meal. It is a testament to our belief in His death, burial, and resurrection, and our hope in His promised return.
Reminds me of the story of Adoniram Judson and his family. Adoniram Judson was one of the first American missionaries to Burma (modern-day Myanmar) in the early 19th century. Despite facing tremendous hardships, including the loss of loved ones and imprisonment, Judson and his family remained committed to their mission. Celebrating the Lord's Supper in such a distant and challenging environment would have served as a profound proclamation of their faith and a reminder of their connection to the global body of Christ.
Similarly, modern missionaries like the Elliots, who served in Ecuador, or the Buntains, who served in India, have had experiences that reflect the unity and proclamation of faith inherent in the Lord’s Supper. These families, through their commitment and sacrifices, embody the spirit of global Christian unity and the ongoing proclamation of Christ's death and resurrection.
A Means of Grace
The Lord's Supper is more than a symbolic act; it is a means of grace through which we receive spiritual nourishment and strength. As we partake of the bread and the cup, we are reminded of Christ's presence with us and His sustaining grace in our lives. It is an opportunity to experience His love afresh and to be renewed in our faith.
A Call to Self-Examination
The Apostle Paul urges us to examine ourselves before partaking in the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:26-30 ESV) For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill.
This is a time for self-reflection and repentance. We are called to come before God with a humble and contrite heart, seeking forgiveness for our sins and reconciling with others. This self-examination fosters unity within the body of Christ and prepares us to receive the elements with a pure heart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Lord's Supper is a profound and sacred ordinance that invites us to remember, proclaim, and experience the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we partake in this holy sacrament, let us do so with reverence, gratitude, and faith. May it deepen our relationship with Christ, strengthen our bonds with one another, and inspire us to live out our faith with renewed commitment and love.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the sacrifice He made for us. As we gather around Your table, may we remember His love and grace, and be nourished by His presence. Help us to live as faithful witnesses to His gospel, proclaiming His death and resurrection until He comes again. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
