The concept of rebuking the profanation of the Table of the Lord is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the sanctity and reverence required in worship and the observance of the Lord's Supper. This entry explores the biblical basis for such rebuke, drawing from both Old and New Testament scriptures.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the holiness required in worship. The table of the Lord, often associated with the altar, was to be treated with utmost reverence. Malachi 1:7-8 addresses the issue of profaning the altar: "By presenting defiled food on My altar. But you ask, ‘How have we defiled You?’ By saying that the table of the LORD is contemptible. When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not wrong? Bring it now to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” says the LORD of Hosts."

This passage highlights the Israelites' failure to honor God with their offerings, treating the sacred as common. The rebuke is clear: God demands respect and purity in worship, and anything less is an affront to His holiness.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Lord's Table takes on a new dimension with the institution of the Lord's Supper. The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of profaning this sacred observance in 1 Corinthians 11:20-22 : "Now then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat. For as you eat, each of you goes ahead without sharing his meal. While one remains hungry, another gets drunk. Don’t you have your own homes in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Of course not!"

Paul's rebuke to the Corinthian church underscores the seriousness of approaching the Lord's Table with the wrong heart and actions. The communal meal, meant to be a time of unity and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, had become a scene of division and excess. The apostle warns that such behavior not only disrespects the sacred meal but also dishonors the body of Christ.

Theological Implications

The rebuke for profaning the Table of the Lord carries significant theological implications. It serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the reverence required in worship. The table is not merely a ritualistic observance but a profound act of communion with the divine. The call to examine oneself before partaking, as Paul further instructs in 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 , "Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself," emphasizes the need for self-reflection and repentance.

Practical Application

For believers today, the rebuke for profaning the Table of the Lord serves as a cautionary tale. It calls for a heart of humility and reverence when approaching the sacraments. The Lord's Table is a place of grace, remembrance, and unity, and it demands the utmost respect and sincerity from those who partake. The biblical admonition is clear: to treat the sacred with contempt is to invite divine correction, and thus, believers are urged to honor the Lord in spirit and truth.