You Are Always Welcome
BRD REFLECTIONS
1 Corinthians 11:2-34 and Psalm 73 (NIV)
(Eric Ang, Chairperson, Finance)
READ:
1 Corinthians 11:2-34 and Psalm 73 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
As World Communion Sunday is celebrated globally on the first Sunday of October, it couldn’t be more timely for me to reflect on 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.
You have received an invitation that needs a RSVP. It could be to the Captain’s Table on a cruise, the Chef’s Table at a restaurant, the Head Table at an event or a friend’s table in his home. What comes to your mind? Do you remember that you have another invitation, a standing invitation, to The Lord’s Table? This does not need a RSVP. You accept by coming. How would you choose?
if you are undecided, allow me to help. What is common with all the invitations is that you are the special guest, joining a special table and the host is someone special. However what stands out is in the differences. As I ran through my list, I found a stark contrast between the Lord’s Table and all the other Tables. You may add to my list:-
1. A lavish meal vs a simple meal
2. A private invitation vs an open invitation
3. A one-time invitation vs a standing invitation
4. Physical food vs spiritual food
The most significant difference is that none of the hosts would die for you except Jesus. The Lord’s Supper reminds us of His sacrifice, His substitution and our salvation. It is for this very reason that whenever we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we do this in remembrance of Him.
APPLY:
1. “Do this in remembrance of me” (vv 24, 25). The bread and the cup remind me of the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for me. He did not die in vain, He died to save me. I can show my gratitude by coming to His Table with reverence, humility, understanding and proclamation.
2. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (v26). Paul is reminding me to partake of the Lord’s supper in anticipation of the Lord’s return. Not knowing when the Lord will return, I heed Ps Ray’s advice to prepare expectantly for His return.
3. “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (v25). Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35). Jesus has given me a new life. Ps Chin Nam reminds me that His presence in me gives me the courage and assurance to face life’s uncertainties.
DO:
1. Come to Church for Holy Communion. It is only once a month.
2. Come with the right posture – in reverence and in remembrance that Christ died for me.
3. Examine myself before I eat of the bread and drink from the cup.
4. Come with the joy that Jesus has conquered death so that I may live forever with Him.
5. Keep proclaiming the Lord’s Supper.
6. Be thankful when the Lord disciplines me as He cares.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, we come in remembrance that the Lamb of God has taken away the sin of the world. Let us remember Him by gathering at the Lord’s Table to worship Him. Amen.
