Many a parent has been mortified to discover a mischievous toddler misusing some toy or or household tool. Dad’s golf clubs make a great axe to fell the oak tree. Mom’s make-up is wonderful finger paint for the bathroom tiles. Perhaps the worst example of this is when you get your child a gift, and then they use it as a weapon against their annoying little brother.
A gift of kindness is horrific when misused for evil. This is precisely the sort of misuse of God’s gifts that the prophets frequently rebuked. Ezekiel put it this way, “Thou hast set mine oil and mine incense before [your idols]. My meat also which I gave thee, fine flour, and oil, and honey, wherewith I fed thee, thou hast even set it before them for a sweet savour (Eze 16:18-19).” God kindly gave Israel the various sacrifices and ordinances. But don’t forget that in His immense kindness, He also gave them a land where such wheat, oil, and wine could be readily cultivated. He commanded the sacrifices and provided them the sacrificial materials as well. It’s like when your child buys you a present with money you gave them.
The Supper is no different. The Lord Jesus ordained this remembrance supper for us, and then supplies us with a world in which bread and wine are in abundance. But if we come to this table in presumption, pride, or unbelief, how great is our condemnation? Coming in such vain unbelief is misusing both His sacramental sign, and the very materials of that sign.
Bread and wine were given to us so we could use them to glorify God, in both ordinary life and at this covenant table. God has both commanded and provided this feast. Don’t misuse it through thoughtlessness, self-righteousness, pride, or box-checking. Don’t take this kindness of God, and use it for your own flattery.
Instead, come in faith and welcome to Jesus Christ…
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