In what ways can we prepare our hearts for communion with Christ? A Table Set with Eager Love “ And He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before My suffering.’ ” (Luke 22:15) • Communion began with Christ’s own longing. He literally, passionately wanted to share a meal of covenant love. • Preparing our hearts starts by remembering that the invitation originates with Him, not us. We come because He first desired fellowship. • Let His eagerness warm cold affections and awaken joyful anticipation. Cultivating Holy Hunger • Draw near in personal time with the Word. “Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger…’ ” (John 6:35) • Accept the gracious call: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy and eat!” (Isaiah 55:1) • Welcome His knock: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20) • Practical helps: – Read a Gospel passage about the cross before the service. – Fast from distractions—news, social media—for a few hours to focus appetite on Christ. – Sing a hymn of the Lord’s Table while you get ready. Inviting Examination and Cleansing • “Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28) • Ask the Spirit to search you: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Come washed: “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience.” (Hebrews 10:22) Steps: 1. Confess specific sins by name. 2. Believe the promise of cleansing (1 John 1:9). 3. Lay down lingering guilt—Christ paid it. Reconciling Before the Meal • “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you… first go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24) • Preparation includes horizontal peace: – Make a phone call, send a text, or schedule a meeting to seek forgiveness. – Release grudges in prayerful forgiveness. – Refuse to nurse offense; Christ’s blood covers both parties. Remembering the Cost, Celebrating the Grace • “He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ ” (Luke 22:19) • Gratitude tunes the heart: “How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me? I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.” (Psalm 116:12-13) • Let thanksgiving rise: list mercies, meditate on the cross, sing praise. Looking Forward in Hope • “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26) • The Table points to the future wedding supper (Revelation 19:9). • Allow hope of His return to cleanse discouragement and fuel perseverance. Walking in Ongoing Obedience • “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23) • Life between communion services matters: – Daily submit choices, speech, and attitudes to His lordship. – Serve others sacrificially; the Table is a call to imitate the Servant-King. – Stay in fellowship with believers; shared life amplifies shared meal. A Ready Heart Welcomes the King By kindling desire, cleansing through confession, reconciling with others, reveling in grace, anticipating glory, and pursuing obedient love, we honor the Savior who still eagerly desires to dine with His people. |
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