Friday, June 7, 2013

We Rejoice because of God's Meal

Scripture: Exodus 18:12
Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses' father-in-law before God.

InsightsOn Sunday we closed our sermon with the Lord’s Supper.  It was very appropriate, especially in light of this twelfth verse.  The word translated meal in this passage literally means bread in the Hebrew and John Calvin writing about this verse stated, “It is my decided opinion that by the word ‘bread,’ the manna is incontestably meant.”  I think Calvin is correct and this line of thought easily helps us transition into the Lord’s Supper.  For Jesus said, “This is the bread which came down from heaven: not as the fathers ate and died; he that eateth this bread shall live forever (John 6:58).”  In other words, the manna of the Old Testament was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ incarnation.  The difference was His coming down brought eternal life whereas the manna of Moses pointed to God’s provisional hand of blessing on the newly found nation.  Let me give a few thoughts regarding the Lord’s Supper.  First, the meal is for believers only.  It is a way for us to testify to Jesus’ work in our lives.  Second, the meal is not to be taken lightly.  Paul warns that some believers who had taken the meal in an unworthy manner actually passed away.  Third, the meal gives us an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with Jesus.  If there is sin brought to our hearts by the convicting presence of the Holy Spirit, we are able to repent and have our relationship restored to that joyous place of righteousness.  Beloved, let us approach the Lord’s Supper next time with the proper reverence for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  May we boldly proclaim our allegiance to our Lord and Savior in our participation of such a reverent meal.  May God be brought glory because of our obedience.

Questions:
  1. Do you take the Lord’s Supper without truly thinking about the seriousness of the moment?
  2. Do you understand that the Lord’s Supper is a testimony of your faith in Jesus Christ?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice, death and resurrection.  You work on Calvary paid my sin debt and has given my life everlasting because I have received Your gift of salvation.  Thank You, my Lord.  Amen.


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