The Christian Church is a commonwealth. One of the great things that we have in common is our access to this Table. It is a tremendous privilege, and we are not worthy of it in one sense.
But in another sense, we are commanded to walk in a manner that is worthy of it. This Supper is a sacrament of your fundamental allegiance. This wine and this bread mean that you belong, heart and soul, to Jesus Christ. You share this statement, this sacrament, with all who come to it.
There are those who are hypocritical in how they come, and this has been a source of great distress to those who love Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, it has also been a source of great confusion to them. In their zeal for the reputation of the Lord Jesus, seated at the head of this Table, they have undertaken to start managing the Table on His behalf—toddlers in high chairs rebuking the rowdy teen-agers.
But the Lord Jesus is Lord. He is the one who has said that His Word is true, though every man prove himself a liar. The sacrament is what God defines it as being; the sacrament is never defined by our sins or shortcomings. God has sent His kindness into a really messed-up world. What makes us think that we could learn to receive His grace without a hitch?
In this meal, just bow your heads and receive His kindness. Do not try to protect His kindness from the impudence of others. Just receive what He is giving to you. Do not become proud of what He offers here, for He is offering nothing other than grace. Grace is not the kind of fabric that can be fashioned into flags and banners.
This is the Eucharist, a name that comes from the Greek word for thanksgiving. Receive this meal with thanksgiving—not with pride, not with disdain for others who receive it wrongly, not with morbidity, not with sorrow, and not with excessive precision of mind. Just be thankful. Keep it simple.