Consider random thoughts about the Lord’s Supper.
Christians Churches and Churches of Christ have historically had weekly observance of the Lord’s Table/Communion/Eucharist—all terms referring to the loaf and cup. Some Christian Churches—don’t know how many—but involved in the Church Growth Movement to reach those with no religious concerns—have opted to streamline their weekend services by NOT observing the Lord’s Table in the service. They may offer it in a side room for those habituated to observing it. This writer has never seen the Lord’s Supper as the center of worship. God in Christ IS, SHOULD BE and ALWAYS WILL BE the center of worship. However, observing the Lord’s Table is only the first half of observance. Making it a special, sacred time each Sunday is as necessary. Having heard too many devotional thoughts about the loaf and cup that merely repeat canned ritual, this writer has published two books of original communion and offering devotionals—52 each in each book. If anyone is interested, the books are available at Amazon.com. I also enclose today a communion devotional used a few weeks ago. Note: I used little of all the information in the devotional. Only One Worthy, Exodus 32:30-34; Mark 10:45. Two great men of God: Moses and Jesus. The one servant, the other Master. The servant—Moses, God’s great Lawgiver—offered his own life for sinful Israel—willing to take their place when God threatened to destroy them. God refused the offer. The Master, Jesus of Nazareth, had SAVIOR as the meaning of his NAME. Sent by God for that purpose, he lived 33 years with that destiny in mind: never diverting from it; always focusing on it; and finally completing his role by spending six hours on the Cross, in at least three of them paying the Price to forgive sins. Moses offered his life for Israel without being worthy of the sacrifice. For the first thing he did when coming down Mt. Sinai was to break the Ten Commandments Exodus 32:19. In 33 years Jesus did nothing wrong; AND, indeed, far more difficult, everything right. So when he struggled up Golgotha, God counted him WORTHY to be there, to be nailed there, to suffer there, and to stay there until he achieved God’s purpose for him there. Lest we forget. Hebrews 2:10, 14-15 says that Jesus died to give us hope in his resurrection from the dead. But death didn’t inflict the ultimate sacrifice on him. That occurred on the Cross when he became SIN in order to save sinners. Taking on himself all that had forever been foreign to him, he saved those in whom sin had become a familiar presence. His sacrifice could save sinners by his never being one II Corinthians 5:21. The bad serve God’s purpose against their will: Pharaoh and Judas. The good serve God in agreement with their will: Deborah and Dorcas. The best serve God as leaders of his people: Moses and Paul. But none of them served God as a sacrifice in place of sinners. Only Jesus, the PERFECT person offering the PERFECT sacrifice, could serve God as our SAVIOR. While we honor the service of the good and best people, we worship the Christ as the only perfect Person offering the perfect sacrifice. Amen End Part II
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