Demolition operatives preparing to  tear a building down accidentally damaged the Town Hall right next door. A 59 tonne crane backed into the council building, creating a huge hole in the front wall. According to a supervisor, the crane operator “was just being careless”.

This accident reminds me of what happened to the church in ancient Corinth. By being self-absorbed and careless with the bread and wine of the Lord’s Table, some church members got into big trouble. Their failure to honour the sanctity of the ceremony dishonoured the memory of Christ’s sacrifice. Many believers paid for their mistake with loss of health or even their life (1 Cor. 11:30).

Paul urged the Corinthians to judge themselves so that they wouldn’t be judged (vv.28,31). And he pointed out that even the Lord’s judgement was for their benefit (v.32).

The Lord’s Table will remain an opportunity and a danger until He comes (v.26). By the attitude of our hearts, we will either honour His death or do damage to His name. Before you celebrate the Lord’s Supper, prayerfully examine yourself. Then, with a heart of gratitude, focus on His sacrifice for you.

Only those who take their sin seriously can remember Christ’s cross gratefully.

Author

Mart DeHaan

Topics

Our Daily Bread