Fwd: SUNDAY THOUGHT -15

SUNDAY THOUGHT -15
LORD'S TABLE IN WORSHIP

An integral element in the worship of the church is the celebration of
the Lord's Table. Worship as such is possible for a child of God at
any time. But when the church gather together, celebrating the Lord's
Table is necessary in order for the worship to be meaningful and
fulfilled. I believe, on the Lord's Day when the people of God gather
together for worship, exhortation, prayer and fellowship that is the
most beautiful occasion for celebrating the Lord's Table.

Luke in Acts testify that the early believers 'broke the bread' daily
in their houses (2:46). Later, as the church grew, the public
gathering of the church was settled on the first day of the week- the
resurrection day (cf. 20:7). It was at this gathering and on this day
they also 'broke bread' (a reference for the celebration of the Lord's
Table).

Regarding the question of practicing the Lord's Table in worship
meetings, there are two extremes to be avoided. One, as some would
argue, that it is not mandatory to observe the table of the Lord on
every Lord's Day, rather we have freedom to observe it once in a month
or even once in a year and on special days. Taking the inference from
Acts 20:6,7, which I consider as the model for the new testament
believers regarding the time for observing the Lord's Table, I would
say that a weekly observance of the Lord's table is the most
appropriate practice for a full fledged church.

The second extreme is the view that observing the Lord's Table itself
is worship or worship means celebrating the table of the Lord.
Observing the table of the Lord is not the whole worship. Rather, it
is an important element that helps our worship. It is as part of our
worship that we need to celebrate the table. When the church gather
together, our worship of God is based upon reasons which God himself
has given us. The foremost among those reasons is the death,
resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, remembering
the Lord's death, resurrection and ascension with a look forward to
his return by means of the Lord's Table is unavoidable at the time of
worship. Thus, the role of the Lord's Table is to motivate and
strengthen our worship.

The table of the Lord communicates numerous truths to us at the time
of our worship. Among them are the following important ones:
1. It tells us to have a look backward. To see who we were
without the grace and mercy of God. To see what difference the Love of
God brought to our life. To see the savior's death in our place in
order to make our relation possible with God.
2. It tells us to have a look inward. To see what result the
death of the Lord Jesus made within us. To see how the inward change
is wonderfully transforming us to live for and please God. To see how
do we maintain our fellowship with the Lord.
3. It tells us to have a look forward. To reassure our hope in
the Lord and His return for our complete redemption. That hope
purifies our life in the present. This look forward helps us to count
the present struggles of life as nothing.
4. It helps us to renew our commitment. To serve God in this
world. To count his interest important and to seek its accomplishment
in and through our life.
5. It burdens us to be His witnesses in this world. The Lord's
Table brings to our mind all the blessings of our salvation which will
be true in any one's life who accepts Jesus. We who enjoy them already
are to bear witness for them.
6. It tells us about our victory over the ultimate enemy, death.
The resurrection of our Lord, which we celebrate through the table,
gives us confidence over the reality of death. Death for us is not to
be a fearsome thought rather a fact that always tests our boldness.
7. It tells us about a day when our faith shall be sight. Till
he comes we ought to celebrate this Table. Each observance of the
table of the Lord is a reminder that he did not come yet, but will
come for sure. And on that day our faith shall become perfect.

Lord's Table is the Table that belongs to the Lord. It does belong to
no church. The Lord's people observing that on the Lord's Day, is
indeed beautiful. It plays an important role in our worship of God.
Due to the same, no worshipper of the Lord is to be prevented
forcefully from taking part of the table, even as disciplinary act, if
he or she has the confidence for it.

As we prepare to worship the Lord this week, let us keep the practice
of celebrating the Lord's Table. And remembering the truths it
communicates to us, may we offer our praises and worship to God.

Sunday thought is an attempt to encourage you to worship God in truth
and in Spirit. I plan to post this write up on every Friday evening.
Thank you for reading this. You may share this with others as the Lord
leads you. I would invite your response as well.

Yours in The gloriuos ministry of God
Joji George Abraham