Why Come to The Table of Our Lord?
I am writing this from a little community in the outskirts of Sumter, South Carolina where our oldest daughter Heather and her husband Jared live and serve the Lord in Christian education. Last night I had the privilege of speaking at the high school graduation of Sumter Christian School. I count it a privilege to address young people on the brink of destiny! Today, as you read these words, I will be speaking at two churches in the Orlando area with our whole family. Tomorrow and the rest of the week will find us in search of our youth.
Since, the Lord willing, we plan to be away from Christchurch for two Sundays, I wanted to do something different and special. I feel it is important to hear our two assistant pastors, Pastor Luke on Sunday morning and Pastor Jerry on Sunday night. We always hear good reports when they speak to our people. It was good to hear a favorable report on the message Gary Stayte brought to our flock on this past Wednesday evening. Also, what a thrill to hear of the very good crowd in attendance! One week from today you are going to be blessed to hear one of America’s outstanding evangelists, Lou Rossi. Lou has been used of the Lord mightily in being a catalyst for revival. In the past couple of months I have been very burdened with revival. God willing, one week from today, you will hear a Sunday morning and Sunday evening message from a man who could be properly termed an old fashioned “revivalist.” Already, I anticipate a time of refreshing!
In the over two decades of history with Christchurch/Prestonwood, we have never had the Lord’s Supper without the pastor present. As I thought about the true meaning of the Lord’s Table, I felt rebuked in my spirit for even hesitating, because we come to this table not to remember the pastor, but to remember Him! Therefore, I have asked Pastor Jerry to serve the table with our deacons. I encourage all of Christchurch to come together tonight. You may ask, why come to the Lord’s Table? Why have the Lord’s Supper? Here are just a few reasons:
(1) We pay homage to the price that was paid for our redemption.
Luke 22:19,20, “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
Tonight, we show gratitude. Has it ever crossed your mind, what can I do to show my thankfulness for the Lord’s “so great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3)? An answer to that question is to come to the Lord’s Supper.
(2) We separate ourselves from the sin that Christ died for.
I Corinthians 10:21 says, “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.”
I Corinthians 11:28, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.”
This is a wonderful time to take inventory, a spiritual check-up, if you please. Sometimes when you go to the doctor, blood work is done. It is amazing how the doctor can see tell-tale signs of health set-backs by examining the results of your blood study. The medical professionals can see problems before the symptoms show up. By the same token, as we examine ourselves under the surveillance of His precious blood work, we soon see if there are some backslidden tendencies.
(3) Communion with the Savior who loves us.
I Corinthians 10:16, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?”
Tonight, as you look over to the empty chair, remember that it represents our awareness of His presence! He is here! I am saddened at times when God’s people show more enthusiasm over sports, school, and even church activities, but little concern of the presence of the Savior! It is sad, but true, if some of you went home to discover your pet dead, you would shed more tears over that animal than you would as we sit at the Lord’s Table considering His passion. This table is all about Him! “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8).
(4) Claim healing for the hurting.
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrew 4:15).
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
What better time to claim healing physically (body), emotionally (soul), and spiritually (spirit), than at the Lord’s Table, when you have drawn near to Him? “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). Today there are many hurting in our flock. I say to those who can make it to the Table, come all who are heavy laden!
(5) Communion with the saints.
“Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another” (I Corinthians 11:33).
In the following reference, the disciples are having church on Sunday, partaking of communion and, if you’ll notice, the preacher (Paul) was even longwinded. (That was a particular blessing for me, ha!) “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight” (Acts 20:7).
So, come together and enjoy His Table, His presence, and His people! If you think about it, the main event at a family reunion is the meal. When we want to get to know someone better, a meal is usually involved. Let us come tonight to get to know the Lord, His flock, and ourselves better.
We miss you! We love you!
-Pastor Johnny Pope-