The Cup of Blessing.
In Acts 2:42-47 it’s clear that the earliest Church worshipped together publicly, but also in their homes. It’s in their homes that they were recorded as breaking bread. In the Lord’s Table there is an aspect of unity, and the celebration of our what Jesus has done for us as His Family. In it, we identify with each other and with every Christian who’s gone before us (1 Cor 10:16:17), but first and foremost it is an act of worship.
“For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”” - Hebrews 2:10-13 ESV
When we as a Church Family, drink grape juice and break and eat bread together in remembrance of our Lord Jesus, we’re taking part in His work. We’re proclaiming His death, resurrection and promised return (1 Cor 11:26). The Hebrews passage echos the themes of the Lord’s Table, as we read and study the words, notice how they reflect various aspects of the celebration of the Lord’s Table.
It was through His suffering, the shedding of His blood and breaking of His body, that He earned, and offers us, perfect forgiveness. It was because of His human nature that He can extend this grace to us, human beings made in God’s image, and reborn by the power of the Holy Spirit. We share the same body of flesh that He had, the same heavenly Father, and the same Holy Spirit. And in His grace, He is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters, part of His family, so long as we repent, trust in Him, and in the fact that God has adopted us, and made Jesus Christ our Savior King.
Through the simple act of drinking the Cup of the New Covenant and breaking bread together, we’re declaring that we’re not ashamed of Jesus, His death and humiliation. We’re confessing and repenting of our sin and proclaiming our trust in Him, and in His eternal power to pay the debt of our sin. We’re making a statement of faith in His resurrection, His power to raise us eternally, and the joyful expectation of His return.
Father God, Thank You for Your unchanging love. Thank You for Your Word, Your Holy Spirit, and for all those who’ve helped us to come to know You and Your love, so wonderfully expressed in Jesus’ life death and resurrection. Thank You for making us one unified body, Your Church. Please help us to worship You through sharing the Cup of Blessing and the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, wherever we are. May You be glorified through us Lord, in Jesus Name. Amen.
How deep the Father's love for us How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed,
I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom
Remember that no matter what may separate us, it can never be stronger than the Holy Spirit, who God has given to those who belong to His Family. In our time of isolation, trust that we are all part of His great Family, and joined by His Wonderful Spirit. In gratitude for the price Jesus paid for this, let’s ask the Lord to show us how we can reach out to other members of His Family, to serve them in love in this time.