One of the things that we learn from this meal is that we are a kingdom of priests. Just as the priests of the Old Testament were ordained, and afterwards had access to the holy food of the sanctuary, so we are all ordained to the priesthood in our baptism. And consequently, we have access to the Table.
Now we learn this from the way the Table is arranged, and how the invitations are given. But it is important not to view this Table as an audio-visual aid from which we learn a lesson. We do learn a lesson, but far more is going on than just this intellectual reflection. The priestly families of the Old Testament could reflect on the food they were eating, and learn lessons from the fact that they were allowed to eat it. But the primary thing was that they eat, and be nourished.
Having said this, the arrangement is important. Before a priest was ordained in the order of Aaron, he was no priest. After he was ordained, he was. This was not because a magical act had occurred—rather it was because God has fashioned the world in such a way that words and ceremonies have the capacity to change someone’s status. We see this everyday, and so it should not be difficult. Because of words spoken in a particular context, a single man becomes a husband. Because of words, a civilian becomes an enlisted solder. Because of words, a candidate becomes an office holder. All such words are a performative act. They accomplish something in the world.
When you were baptized, this same kind of performative act occurred, and you were made a priest. The Christian church is composed of kings and priests on the earth. Now whether you are a righteous priest like Phineas, or an evil priest like Caiphas, or a bumbling priest like Eli—well, there is no ceremony for that.
Do you believe God? Do you believe His Word? Do you trust His Spirit?