by Pat Hackney
When we come to that time in our worship service each Sunday when we partake of the Lord's Supper, how do we rid our minds of worldly thoughts? The apostle Paul teaches us that when we eat the bread and drink the cup, we must do it in a worthy manner. If we don't do this, we are guilty of the body and blood of our Lord ( 1 Corinthians 11:27-29).
First of all, we see this should be a time of self examination. We realize we are sinners and are in need of a Savior. As we partake of the bread and look back to the cross, we see our Lord's body suffering great pain and anguish. This He willingly endured that we may have forgiveness of our sins. For six agonizing hours He hung there. Let us take this time, as we eat the bread, to think only of Christ and His suffering.
As we drink the cup, we need to realize we are under the new covenant. This new covenant required the shedding of the Lord's blood for the remission of our sins ( Matthew 26:26-29). The shedding of Christ's blood sanctified us ( Hebrews 10:29). We do not know why the pouring out of His blood was required, but we know that He willingly gave it on the cruel cross. Weare indeed privileged to partake of the cup which signifies His death and His sacrifice. May we always realize what we are doing in partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine.