I knew of a lady who didn't think we should observe the Lord's supper every Lord's day, because "that would be observing it too often, and the practice would become an empty formality." So, she identified herself with a religious group that attempted to have the Lord's Supper only once each year. She then said that this latter practice was not often enough. If observed properly, once each week is not too often, neither is it too infrequent (Acts 20: 7).

Maybe a few suggestions will help us observe it worthily. Notice, worthily (or unworthily) are not adjectives describing the person, but adverbs describing the attitude or manner in which the supper is eaten (1 Cor. 11:27-29).

Jesus gave himself for us by allowing his body to be broken and his blood shed (Matt. 2:26-28). We commune with his body and blood (1 Cor. 10:16). God expressed his love for us 'while we were yet sinners" (Rom.5:8). It may help if we consider the fact that it would be easier for us to give our own life than to offer our only son as a sacrifice. God had to give his Son for sin, watch from heaven while sinful men tortured him listen while his Beloved asked the heart-rending question, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Mk. 15:34)

It helps me if I can read a portion of the Scriptures dealing with the sufferings of my Lord. I alternately read, or meditate upon, the things found in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19. Psalms 22, and Isaiah 53. It is also helpful if the ones presiding at the Lord's table read excerpts from these passages occasionally. Yes, 1 Corinthians 11 tells us what to do, and to some extent how to do it, but these other passages actually describe our Lord's sufferings.

The larger the audience, the more diversion there is apt to be. It is going to require the utmost in concentration and discernment on our part to keep from eating and drinking damnation to ourselves. Let us live godly lives during the week, greet the Lord's day with sober thoughts of Christ's crucifixion and the joyous knowledge of his resurrection. "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he comes" (.1 Cor. 11.26). And let us not forget this one thing: he is coming again.

Truth Magazine VIII: 3, p. 1a December 1963