27So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
28Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.
29For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.
30That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
31But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment.
32Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.
33So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together.
34Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.
And when I come I will give further directions. (1 Corinthians 11:27-34)
Thoughts: If there were no right or wrong- and if there were no judge of right/wrong or truth/falsehood, then it wouldn't matter. In fact nothing would matter, and there would be nothing holy. This passage speaks of judgment of something that is a gift for us. But it is a precious gift that should not be broken, derided, or treated flippantly. I knew one youth director who advocated that we take coke and burgers and consider them the Lord's Supper. I have known others who cannot wait to get the "real" wine in communion- as if that was the point. If anything is holy, then it should be treated with propriety and respect. Of course there is abundant grace, but of course there is also an end to abuse.
This passage tells us to examine ourselves, lest we drink judgment on ourselves. Some have taken this to extremes. In the old American and Scottish Presbyterian churches the supper was limited to once a quarter in order for the elders to come and visit and examine your willingness and worthiness to eat and drink at the Lord's Table. The problem with that, as Luther acknowledged is that none of us is worthy. No one deserves the body and blood of our Lord sacrificed for us. But the other part is that the supper should be reserved for those who have faith in Christ and His sacrifice for us. God cares if we celebrate the remembrance of His Son's sacrifice as if it were an opportunity to simply indulge our animal-like appetites without self-control. Self control (like waiting to eat or drink at the proper time- not just rushing in and out partaking so that we can check it off of our to do list) is important. Self control has a lot to do with holiness. It distinguishes us from the animals who have to eat the food set before them. It shows respect for the one we are controlling ourselves for- in this instance God or the neighbor we are eating the Supper with. Self-control, respect and holiness go together, but they are made much more holy remembering the love that makes them more than regulations. The love of Christ- shown in His death on the cross to set us free- is to be treated with respect. In our day in America we talk so much about love, but we have so little respect or self-control toward love. The Lord's Supper is a Eucharistic- thanksgiving event. But it isalso a visible sign of God's invisible love- to be treated with respect and holiness.
Prayer: Lord, Here I would touch and handle things unseen, Here O my Lord, I see you face to face. Here I remember and here I commune with you the present Lord.
