By Jeff Waldron
The Prayer
Lord, let this not be mere ritual. May this rehearsal of the Gospel, this tangible reminder of work done and promises begun further conform me to the image of the Lamb.
The Unbelief
For I have been crucified with Christ, cleansed of my transgressions. Adopted as a son, a very son of the Father, a beloved brother of the Son.
Ah, but I falter. Like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind, I indulge my corruption and retreat to indifference; I forget that I am loved. Simultaneously self-satisfied and self-loathing—why are you cast down, O my soul? Why this unbelief?
The Plea
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
In love, the Spirit obliges. The facade that conceals the depth of my vileness crumbles. The full unveiling of my remaining pride, anger, jealousy, and lust overwhelms me. Apathy, fear; a relentless pursuit of comfort. Even as I hold the bread and the cup, my thoughts betray me!
Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Abba! Father!
The Bread
Do this in remembrance of me.
His body, crushed for my iniquities. Broken for me. Yet he opened not his mouth. And with his wounds, I am healed.
The Cup
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for you.
Hands and feet, pierced for my transgressions. His blood flowed to the cursed ground and brought me peace with the Father.
The Remembrance
Look up! Even now, he comes running, embracing me, with compassion and healing in His eyes. Hear me now my weary child and remember. As far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your transgressions from you! You are eternally cherished in Christ; so fully united with him that there is simply nothing but overwhelming affection left for you. Beloved, I love you simply because I do. The true and better Adam has swallowed up death, and with it He has definitively silenced your shame.
So, let us eat and celebrate! For you were dead, and are now alive; you were lost, and are now found. And know this, my beloved, I will fight for you. Your remaining sin trembles at my name; it has no power over you. The sorrows that afflict you are refining you and preparing you for a weight of glory beyond all comparison. Just a little longer, my child, and your tears will be turned to joy.
Believe
If I am for you, who can be against you? I did not spare my own Son but gave him up for you. How will I not also with him graciously give you all things? Beloved, be sure of this: neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate you from my love.
It is finished, beloved!
The Response
Amazing love! How can it be, that
Thou, my God, should die for me!
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Amazing love! How can it be, that
Thou, my God, should die for me!
The Church
How good and pleasant it is when the children of God dwell in unity and together rehearse, proclaim, and remember the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ!
What shall we render to the Lord for all his benefits to us?
We will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
Brothers and sisters, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Beloved, you are sent. Go and make disciples.