Today, am I worshiping with the brethren in Kettering, Ohio. It brings back fond memories. I used to preach here. We were a young married couple and Kenny was just a baby when we came. The brethren were good to us. And they gave us an opportunity to learn. To grow. To minister. And so I come back to preach in a meeting. But on this day, I will join with them in eating the Lord’s Supper.
It is a solemn and serious event when we eat the Supper. . Paul, in his rebuke of the Corinthians makes that quite clear. Warren Wiersbe suggests four things that will help us in “discerning the Lord’s Body.” Let me list them, then make a few comments. He says that we should look back, look within, look around, and look ahead.
(1) We should look back. (1 Cor. 11:22-23). Through the eyes of the inspired writers we go back and stand at the foot of the cross and feel the horror of His dreadful death. We see our Lord. And how He died. And why He died. We see His sacrifice. We cringe at His pain. We try to imagine His suffering. We hear the jeers. We see the blood.
(2) We should look within (1 Cor. 11:27-28). We focus on the purpose. And partake in a reverent, respectful and reflective manner. We see our sin. Feel our unworthiness. Know our need. Understand our dependence. Seek His favor. We come to the cross and know our sins crucified Him. But thank the Lord for His love. His Mercy. His grace.
(3) We should look around (1 Cor. 11:33-34). Not in a critical way. Not necessarily even in a literal way. But figuratively, appreciating our mutual relationship in the Lord. We partake with others who are like-minded. We fellowship with those of the same faith. We share a common bond. There is a fraternal affection we feel. Because we are a part of the same family.
(4) We should look ahead. (1 Cor. 11:26b). The super suggests a brighter day. A better day. A blissful day. Jesus is coming back. The cross was not the end. We sing Robert Lowry’s powerful hymn, “Up from the grave He arose. With a mighty triumph o’er His foes. He arose a victor from the dark domain. And He lives forever with His saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!” His resurrection gives us hope. As we eat we remember that the cross was not the fatal end to His work. But the seed for His greatest victory. And ours!
And so today, Christians all over the world eat the Supper. Remember what happened and why. Remember who you are. Remember the fellowship we share. And remember the glorious future we foresee.
—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
Bro Ken, It was a great day to be with you and to share the Lord’s Supper. What a treat. So glad you are here to share with us the importance of reflect God’s light. Thanks for the preparation and the lessons.
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Thanks, Rich! I appreciate your kind words the invitation to be here. And thanks for reading my blog!
Ken Weliever 12107 Wood Duck Pl Temple Terrace, FL 33617 Home Phone: 813-899-4539 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com
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Brother Ken, so good to read your blog. I have the duty of heading up the Lords Table this Sunday March 11th, and I will be using your four points you laid out so well. Thanks for going into more depth on 1 Cor. 11, so many times we just read a scripture with out truly understanding what is taking place. Come to the country sometime (Trenton, FL. Midway Church of Christ) thanks again. Mike Fletcher
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Thanks, Mike! Would love to get up there again! In fact, I think I’m schedule for another meeting, maybe next year? Thanks for your kind words…and for reading my blog!
Ken Weliever 12107 Wood Duck Pl Temple Terrace, FL 33617 Home Phone: 813-899-4539 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com
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