We gather at this Table weekly. As we do, we should remember that there are three elements to what we do. The first is invocation. We acknowledge God’s presence here with us, and indeed, we invite it. We call upon Him. Second, we rejoice before Him with thanksgiving. This is a Table of thanksgiving and gratitude. And third, there is an element of binding ourselves with an oath.
We are renewing covenant with God here, but not because our covenant with Him was set to expire, like a lease. Rather, we renew our vows before Him, acknowledging to Him, with solemn and deep joy, our intention to live and die as Christians. This is a deep oath, solemn and glad, and so we return to it weekly.
This is not because the oath is weak, and needs shoring up weekly. Rather, it is because we are weak, and we need to be reminded. This is our life. This is our song. This is our connection to all our brothers and sisters throughout the world, and throughout history, who have loved the name of Jesus. This is the body of Jesus, and this is the blood of Jesus. This is our creed, an edible creed. This is our oath, and in gladness we drink all of it.
We have invoked the name of God, showing that we know what we are doing here. We have expressed our joy and gladness. Because of this body and blood, you are no longer in your sins. And by eating and drinking in faith, you are saying that you will be here next week, eager to say again that your intention is to live and die a Christian.
We are mindful of our sins, the sins we already confessed at the beginning of the service. But rather than making us morbid and introspective, our recognition of our sins here at this Table should simply add to the gratitude. Should it not? Sin at this Table is met by the blood of Jesus, which washes them all away.
So come, and welcome, to Jesus Christ.