In what ways can we prepare for the fulfillment of Jesus' promise? Setting the Table “ I tell you, I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29) Jesus’ words draw our hearts toward a coming banquet—real, literal, and guaranteed. The promise is personal (“with you”) and future (“that day”). He will share a renewed cup when the kingdom is fully revealed. How do we get ready for that moment? Remembering the Promise Every Time We Break Bread • The Lord’s Supper is a dress rehearsal. – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26) – Each participation re-anchors us in the cross and keeps His return in view. • Approach the table with expectancy, not routine. – Examine the heart (1 Corinthians 11:28). – Celebrate grace freely given, yet live in reverent awe. Practices That Ready the Heart 1. Daily devotion to the Word • “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) • Regular study keeps the promise fresh and fuels obedience. 2. Persistent prayer • Aligns desires with Christ’s and cultivates longing for His kingdom (Matthew 6:10). 3. Ongoing repentance and holiness • “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3) • Holiness is preparation attire for the wedding feast (Revelation 19:7-8). Living with Kingdom Anticipation • Stay watchful – “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42) – Spiritual alertness guards against complacency. • Fix hope forward – “As we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13) – Hope shapes choices, budgets time, and fuels endurance. Guarding Against Drift • Resist worldly intoxication (Luke 21:34). • Lay aside every weight and sin that entangles (Hebrews 12:1-2). • Discern teaching carefully; cling to sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Strengthening One Another • Gather faithfully – “Let us not neglect meeting together… but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) • Stir up love and good works—practical rehearsals for kingdom life. • Maintain unity and forgiveness; Christ’s table is a shared table (John 13:34-35). Keeping the Cup in Sight • Share the gospel so more seats are filled (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Peter 3:9). • Sing and speak in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, giving thanks (Ephesians 5:18-20). • Celebrate small foretastes—every answered prayer, every conversion, every act of mercy—signals that the kingdom is already breaking in. One day, the provisional cup will be replaced by a new, eternal cup in the Father’s kingdom. Until then, faithful remembrance, holy living, vigilant hope, and loving fellowship are the practical ways we prepare to raise that promised cup with Jesus. |
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