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.
Insights: On 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:
- Do you take the Lord’s Supper without truly thinking
about the seriousness of the moment?
- 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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