Identified Through the Bread

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One of the reasons the Table of the Lord has been controversial among Christians from the very beginning is the fact that the Table, faithfully observed, reveals the secrets of men. Not only does the faithful observance of the Supper nourish and strengthen the faithful, it also reveals and identifies Judas. Judas identified Jesus with his kiss, but Jesus identified Judas earlier with the bread.

This means that men who do not want their secrets revealed have to do something about this bread and wine.

One of the things they do is observe the Supper rarely. If it is a risky business, then do it less frequently.

Another thing is to engage in controversy about the Supper, and what it all means. Arguments at the Table are a great way to try to forget the food itself.

Yet another response is to flee. If the Table is being faithfully observed in one place, it is time to find another place, where the Word accompanying the sacrament is somehow less threatening.

Another method is to begin attacking those who are faithfully administering the Supper in a town in order to change the subject. If it is possible to get them off message, then perhaps the debate can be steered into a more political direction.

But we want to have no part of this. We want to worship God, sing to Him, hear His Word declared, and then partake of this meal in gladness and simplicity of heart. As we do this, no works at all, no effort at all, God moves in a mysterious way. How much work is expended in bringing the bread to your mouth? In drinking the wine? How much depends upon us?

And yet, we watch gratefully as God moves powerfully in our eating and drinking—moving kingdoms, spreading the gospel, revealing traitors, declaring the message of forgiveness in Christ, convicting the foolish, and establishing His kingdom.

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