As you know, Cool Spring observed the Lord’s Supper yesterday in our virtual gatherings. This ordinance is always a special occasion. I have observed the celebration for a long time, and I remember a special Lord’s Supper years ago.
I worked for many years in the Financial District of downtown Richmond. Almost every Wednesday I walked up to East Grace Street, which was then the Retail District, to attend the noon, mid-week service at a large, well-established, downtown church. Most of the folks attending the mid-week service were not members but lived in the suburbs and worked downtown. I loved the large, cathedral-like sanctuary, the smell of wooden pews and the traditional hymns we sang accompanied by the pipe organ. Pastor Dave’s message was always meaningful and clearly spoken to the business crowd. This church observed the Lord’s Supper each first Wednesday and, in this tradition, worshipers were invited to kneel at the altar as the ministers served the elements.
One such Wednesday, a lady next to me at the altar raised her small wafer to about eye-length and, before eating it, she whispered in a very low, voice, “Thank you, Lord Jesus.” She did the same with the cup, lifting it before drinking and saying, very softly, “Thank you, Lord Jesus.” As I was walking back to my seat, I was thinking, “she deeply understands what this ordinance symbolizes – remembering and thanking Jesus for the incredible sacrifice of his body and blood for each of us.” Her simple act of reverence and worship made a lasting impression on me.
The narrative of the Lord’s Supper is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Paul also refers to it in 1 Corinthians as he admonishes this early church for its improper behavior at the supper. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Passover lamb was sacrificed. In preparation for eating the Passover with his disciples, Jesus dispatched Peter and John to the city to locate a dwelling with a large, second-floor room known to us as The Upper Room, and it was here where they ate the Passover meal. Sometime before leaving for the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane where he was arrested, Jesus instituted The Lord’s Supper.
The Scriptures tell us that Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them saying, “This is my body given for you, take and eat. Do this in remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup, gave thanks and passed it among them saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” 1 Corinthians 11 adds, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” This new covenant, or agreement, assures that mankind would never again need to sacrifice animals to atone for their sins. Jesus’ perfect sacrifice was “once, for all.” We observe this ancient and sacred ordinance in obedience to Jesus’ command to his followers to, “Do this in remembrance of me,” and in grateful appreciation for his sacrifice for us.
Thank you, Lord Jesus.
Ted Tussey
