THE LORD’S MEMORIAL
The Lord’s memorial is undoubtedly the most solemn part of our worship. The Lord wisely commanded us, through the example of the faithful at Troas (Acts 20:7), to partake in it each first day of the week. Paul demonstrates that the Lord Himself instructed us on its purpose and on how we are to remember His death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:19-20).
I muse on even the preparation of this memorial. It should be done with reverence, prayer, dignity, and thankfulness! Through the years, I’ve observed dozens of variations in the preparation of this memorial. Some have purchased “pre-packaged” communion bread (and the label reads “not for communion”). Some use prepared pieces of bread with a small cup of the fruit of the vine. Others have prepared their own bread with unlawful ingredients like honey and without salt. Read the Lord’s instructions for making the bread! (Leviticus 2). And for those who make their own fruit of the vine, by what authority do you allow any leaven to ferment the fruit? When the Lord ordained His memorial, leaven was forbidden during the Passover. (Exodus 12:19). By what authority would brethren dare to compromise the Lord’s memorial by how they prepare it, partake of it, and even dispose of it? Reverence in all these things should permeate the soul who cares for the necessities involved!
If the Lord’s memorial is “just another part of the worship” that can be prepared, partaken, and disposed of with casual practice, what compromises can be made to singing, praying, giving, or study? Are not these acts of homage to our Lord as well? I muse, can we minimize the importance of any part, especially His memorial?
