A little while ago, burdened with sorrow on account of sin, you were in sore distress of mind. But the precious words of our Lord Jesus, "Come unto Me . . . and I will give you rest," and His " Peace be unto you," received in your heart by faith, have taken away your burden and your fears. You are now like the disciples when our risen Lord showed them His hands and feet and side:"Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord." His precious blood is your shelter, and His Word is now to be your guide; for He said, " My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He also says to you as He did to Peter, " Lovest thou Me ? " and you answer with him, " Yea, Lord; Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee" (Jno. 21:17).
Now a request of His stands prominently before you; it is written as it were with His own blood; it is the request which heads this paper,
" This do in remembrance of Me"
There is an especial tenderness in these words. They were first uttered at the passover table when His disciples were gathered around Him, in anticipation of the cross with all its agony and shame. It was the hour when the wickedness of man, led on by the powers of darkness, was to be manifested; and above all, the forsaking of His God because of our sins filled His suffering spirit. This same request is spoken again as it were from the heavens, when His work of suffering was over, when He was crowned with glory and honor-the object of heaven's worship-the enthroned of His Father. Read carefully and prayerfully, Matt. 26:26-30; Mark 14:23-26; Luke 22:19.20; 1 Cor. 11:23-25.
What love and wisdom of the Lord to thus repeat His request to us from the heavens! Had He not from thence reminded us of His blessed words, spoken on the night of His betrayal, we would have lacked the same assurance of His changeless love which this repetition gives-a love which neither death, nor the grave, nor the glory above, have changed at all. His words turn our hearts and thoughts to His death, and at the same time link our affections to Himself on high. Thus Jesus in the heavens, in an inexpressibly precious way, shows what value He sets upon our remembrance of Him-" Remember Me."
It is your privilege, dear fellow-believer, to do what the Lord desires:Himself has made you worthy to do this by washing you from your sins in His own blood. You belong to Him; He loves you, and you love Him. This is your title to His table; and where two or three are gathered together unto His name, He is in the midst of them. What He has done for you has made you fit to draw near to Him. It is His doing; therefore you may boldly say, Since He has made me one of His own, one of God's people, it is my privilege to gather with other Christians to remember Him. Indeed the question is whether you have sufficient love to the Master to follow Him-not whether you are fit to partake of the Lord's Supper. Put this question to yourself:Do I love my blessed Saviour sufficiently to fulfil His dying request, " Do this in remembrance of Me?"
What love must the Son of God have towards us to desire our remembrance of Him-poor as it is! And yet, despite His love, how often this, His request, is slighted by His own blood-bought people! It is thought unnecessary by some; four times a year, or even once a year is thought to be enough by others-as if the remembrance of His dying love was irksome!
Ministry is precious indeed ; it is the gift of Christ; and prayer is the atmosphere of the Christian's life- "pray always:" but these things connect themselves with our needs, and, however precious they may be, they are not what is implied in our Lord's request. He asks us to remember Him; He seeks this from His people, and it is for this that He invites them to break the bread and drink the wine in remembrance of His love to us. At His table our privilege is to forget ourselves, our trials, our joys, our things, be they what they may, and to think of Him.
Do any inquire, To whom are these words of the Lord addressed? He speaks to those that know Him. We cannot remember a person unless we first know him; therefore it is a mockery for the unconverted to partake of the feast. Yes, for those whose hearts are not turned away from sin-who do not love our Lord Jesus-to partake with His blood-bought people of the memorials of His precious death, is a sad and dreadful mockery. It is sinful in the Lord's people to partake of the Lord's supper in company with mere professors, or worldly people who "take the sacrament " as a mere form, or superstitiously as a meritorious act. It is a sin against the Lord, who forbids His people to be yoked with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14); and it is a sin against the souls of the unconverted, helping them to rest in mere profession and lip-service.
How could an unbeliever worship the Lord at all? He cannot. God's command to Israel as to the passover was; " There shall no stranger eat thereof" (Exod. 12:43).
God's word tells us that the Church or assembly of God is one body, that its members are united to Christ by the Holy Spirit, and that through Him we are united one to the other as members of one body. The happy privilege of believers is to meet together around the Lord as our center, remember Him in His death for us; and He has promised His presence to such, saying, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt. 18:20). In early Christian days we read that those who gladly received the word were baptized, and continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:41, 42).
And does not the word of God hold good now ? Has God changed because His people have not been faithful?
We have heard the Lord's words to us about the supper, and His desire that we should remember Him thus; and we have seen that it is only believers who ought to partake of it; let us now inquire a little into the meaning of the feast.
The unbroken loaf symbolizes the unbroken body of Christ. We adore as we consider the life of the Lord, perfect in every detail; every act, every word, precious to His Father. His whole life was like the sweet and holy frankincense that was all burnt before the Lord (Lev. 2). Yet the holy life of Christ could never bring us to God. In order to bring us to God there must be atonement for sin; so that Christ had to suffer, the
42"this do in remembrance of me"
just One for the unjust (1 Pet. 3:18). Without this the precious and perfect obedient life of the Lord would only add to our condemnation, because the very perfection of Christ as a man would be a divine standard by which to measure us; and who could stand beside Him for a moment ?
We can only draw near to God through the body broken and shed blood of Jesus; through the rent vail, that is to say, His flesh. We break the bread, and while breaking it, remember Him bruised, wounded, yea, " made sin for us, He who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21). Our corrupt and evil nature was judged upon His cross, and now we are accepted and accounted righteous in the sight of God, for we are " in Christ." Our sins are all forgiven, for "He Himself bare our sins in his own body on the tree" (1 Pet. 2:24).
It is by the death of Jesus we freely approach God, who has raised our blessed Substitute from the grave, and has set Him at His own right hand on high, which is the unquestionable evidence of God's righteousness being satisfied, and of our perfect acceptance in Christ. In the poured out wine we remember and confess that His blood was shed – that "He hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood;" as He said to His disciples, "This is my blood of the new covenant which is shed for many for the remission of sins." When we think of our blessed Saviour having been "made sin for us, He who knew no sin;" when we think of His body broken, His hands, feet, and side pierced and bleeding, and that for us; when we hear Him saying, " Remember Me," how can, how could we be unmindful of His request ?
Now, the breaking the bread is not only for our individual appreciation, but it is a collective act, in which together we "show the Lord's death, till He come" (1 Cor. 11:26). In the bread and the cup, passed round from hand to hand for mutual participation, we declare not only that we are one with Him, but with one another, in the new and everlasting life which He has given us. We are made one with Him and one another in the power of the Spirit who has baptized us into one body. We are one with Him who is in the glory; we are risen together with Him, and made to sit together in Him in the heavenly places (Eph. 2). " We"-who? A sect, a party ? No; all Christians, be they called by whatever name.
The Lord's table is the great expression of the oneness of His people:"We being many are one loaf" (1 Cor. 10:17, N. T.). We are members of His body, the Church, and therefore of one another. Nowhere do Christians enjoy and express such fellowship as at the Lord's table. " The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ ? The bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ?"
It is of utmost importance to bear in mind that no believer is independent of his fellow-believer, for " We are members of His body," and " if one member suffer, all suffer with it."
If we are one, if the Lord is our Head, our Master, and all we brethren, who shall take upon himself to preside at the Lord's table? The Holy Ghost records, "The disciples met together to break bread;" and again, "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." " The bread which we break," " The cup of blessing which we bless." Scripture thus teaches us that it is a mutual participation; none being greater nor less than another at that table. All are one with each other, for all are one in Him, and He is our Head and Center.
Some look around and may say, The word of God speaks of such things, but where in the present day is such simplicity to be found ?
Grievous it is to see systems established by man and under man's control, instead of divine simplicity and the Lord's authority. Well may every faithful heart lament the dishonor done to Christ in these things.
Yet the unfaithfulness of His people does not make void the faithfulness of their Lord ? He has not changed, and He has said, " Where two or three are gathered together in MY NAME there am I in the midst of them."The Holy Spirit is there to guide the obedient two or three thus gathered. They need no man-appointed minister to take the Holy Spirit's place, nor to usurp an authority which alone belongs to the Lord. "In my Name" implies all what He is in His Person and holy character.
"One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren." Amid the divisions of Christians, the word and name of the Lord is a sure center around which to rally. To own the Lord as our center we must of necessity separate from human centers and names. This is not sectarianism.
As to the time of the feast. By its being called a Supper, and by the example of Acts 20:7-11, we should consider that its commemoration was the evening in early Christian days. However, it is only right to devote the best portion of the day to worship our Lord, which of common consent is the morning among western peoples. In eastern lands it may be otherwise.
As to the frequency, in early Christian days the disciples broke bread each Lord's day. They came together on " the first day of the week" for this purpose (Acts 20:7). They were also directed to "lay by in store " for ministry to the saints on every first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1, 2). Their worship and their offerings were thus connected with the day of our Lord's resurrection and the new place we have in Him.
"The Lord's day" is so called, because upon it the Lord arose from the dead, and thus became the Head of the new creation. We Christians do not, as the Jews, keep the Sabbath, or rest-day which is the 7th day of the week (Saturday), but on the Lord's day, the 1st day of the week, we celebrate His resurrection. Consider this:The supper is the Lord's, – " the Lord's Supper;" and the day is the Lord's,-"the Lord's Day."
And what is the object of this gathering together ? It is not for prayer; it is not to preach-blessed and precious as both are in their place. It is to remember the Lord, and worship Him-to joy before Him with blessing, thanksgiving, and praise. " The cup of blessing which we bless." " When He had given thanks He brake it." Surely, if our Saviour could on the night of His betrayal, as He thought of our salvation, bless God before breaking the bread, we should be found pr Using Him as we remember His death for us. " The day is holy unto our Lord . . . neither be ye sorry, for the joy of the Lord is your strength," may well be applied to this feast.
And now a word as to the Table. Whose is it ? Is it the children's, where every child has a right? No. Is it the Father's, where every prodigal may seat himself ? No. It is the Lord's-our Master's table. The child might be walking disorderly, or hold evil doctrine, in which case Scripture denies him a place at the Lord's table until he be purged. The table of the Lord is in no wise the place for the exercise of one's own will, for the Lord's authority is there. It is not only a place of blessing, but of discipline also. If it reminds us of what Christ suffered for sin, we cannot, we shall not, continue in it. " How shall we that have died to sin live any longer therein ? " We are bidden to judge ourselves that we be not judged; and if we will continue at the Lord's table without self-judgment as to any wrong in our ways, God's chastisement must fall upon us (see 2 Cor. 11:31, 32).
The principle of the Lord's table is holiness to the Lord, and in this day of carelessness as to the honor of Christ, we should exercise diligent watchfulness that nothing unbecoming the Lord's table may be permitted among those who partake of it (see 2 Tim. 2:20-26). " Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
Liberality, as men call it, may glory in overlooking evil; the word of God declares "such glorying is not good " (1 Cor. 5:6). " Purge out the old leaven," says Scripture; and it bases its exhortation upon God's own character:Be ye holy, for I am holy." It is " With the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth " the feast is to be kept. " The old leaven of malice and wickedness," is to be put away. See 1 Cor. 5:6-8 ; compare with Exod. 12:15-20. It is an easy thing to excuse or pass over evil, but God requires us to judge it and put it aside. Beware of the miscalled " charity " of this present evil day; shun its easy-going " liberality." Be vigilant over yourself; never forget that God's word acknowledges no such person as an independent Christian. Remember that it teaches exactly the opposite, saying, " Whether one member suffer, all suffer with it."
We have seen that the unity of the assembly is manifested at the table in the one loaf, and it becomes the solemn duty for each believer there to see that what is practiced there is approved by Him. If evil be allowed such sway in an assembly of Christians that the authority of the Lord reigns there no longer, the table is no more the Lord's, but man's; and all believers who continue in fellowship with such are defiled. Oneness is a practical thing:we are not to use the fact of our being one in Christ for eternity to excuse our disobedience and divisions now. We are to "endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," surely, but not at the expense of yielding the truth. All will be one in the glory, but on that day there will be no more sin and therefore no more striving against it; no more dishonor done to Christ, and therefore no more need of effort to maintain the honor of His name.
Again, as to fellowship, we know in our daily intercourse how the demeanor, the dress, the conversation of our fellow-believers affects us for good or for evil in proportion as Christ is manifested or the contrary. How much more will unholiness or worldliness during the week affect our meetings around the Lord at His table. But if the power of evil be great, the power of good is greater; and this, let it be observed, is most blessedly manifested at the Lord's table. Often does the Spirit use a hymn, a word, a prayer, to lead every heart to thankful praise, holy joy, and worship.
The saints as members of Christ are many, yet one body. It is with them as with an instrument of music:if one of its notes be out of tune, the melody is marred. And if worldliness produce evil effects, what must the toleration of evil doctrine? If worldliness allowed reduces the general tone of the gathering, evil doctrine allowed in the assembly will leaven the whole lump, and with evil doctrine admitted, evil practice will follow as a consequence. " Sanctify them by thy truth " (Jno. 17:17).
In conclusion, we turn again to 1 Cor. 11:23-26. After rehearsing the Lord's tender request, the Holy Spirit through the apostle adds this closing word :"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show (or announce) the Lord's death till He come." "Till He come!" only three little words, but what bright hope they set before the heart of those who love Him! And His closing word to us is, " Behold, I come quickly." May our hearts also loyally respond, "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
Dear fellow-believer, the time is short; the opportunity for loving obedience to the words of our Lord is growing daily less. He who went to the cross for us now says "Remember me." Let us, then, give His request a large place in our hearts; and not only in the gathering at His table, but may it follow us in our life day by day, till we see His face.