The Feast of Grace: By Invitation Only

January 6, 2011 [Thursday],

          Paul (the apostle) had this to say about the Eucharist: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself, if he does not judge the body rightly. For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. But if we judged ourselves rightly, we should not be judged” (1 Corinthians 11:26-31 NASB).

          Ouch! However you cut it, this is a very serious warning from Paul, and, thus, from the Lord, Himself. Take a minute to ponder his words: whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. At first glance, this makes one want to avoid the Table at all costs, as the cost of “eating and drinking” in an unworthy manner is simply too high a price to pay. It would, apparently, be prudent to stay away from the table altogether.

          To be sure, based upon what Paul said, if one is to eat the bread and drink the wine of this Table, it would be behoove him first to understand what Paul meant by eating and drinking in an “unworthy manner.” I don’t think it takes the mental acuity of a rocket scientist for anyone to realize that his becoming “worthy” of this table is far beyond his abilities; however, we do still have quite a few modern-day Pharisee, who believe otherwise. Strangely, they actually approach the Table having convinced themselves (though usually no one else) that their level of obedience to God is sufficient to earn them a place at this Table of Grace.

          On the other hand, there are those, who are so convinced that they cannot measure-up to the standard required by God, that they refuse even to approach the table. In fact, many believers have never once celebrated the Eucharist. About the time they think they are getting close to the standard, something happens that reminds them that they fall far short. If and when they do approach the Table, the do so in fear, and they leave with guilt.

          Just for the record, I want to state what should be an obvious truth: If you are a believer, then Jesus has earned your place at this Table of Grace through His death on the cross. He has extended to you an everlasting, no-strings-attached invitation to His Feast of Grace. He paid the high cost, and He paid it in full!

          You come in an unworthy manner when you come convinced that you have measured-up, or almost measured-up, to the standard; however, you come in a worthy manner when you come convinced that He has imputed His righteousness to you—a thing of immeasurable grace.

          I hope to see you at the Table soon—very soon! Remember: It is by invitation only, and He has invited you!

                   

         

"This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent" (John 6:29 NASB).