I haven’t had the privilege of leading in a Holy Communion service for a long time. If all goes according to plan, I will have the opportunity to do so this Sunday. And if I do I will try to prepare the congregation to take the elements by my usual exhortation on “the six directions of the Lord’s Supper.”
The first direction of the Lord’s Supper is the backward direction. At the table we look backward in time and remember that Jesus came and died for us. We remember the historical basis of our faith. As we put the bread and the wine into our mouths, we remember that the Christian faith is not wishful thinking. It is real. It is based on things that really happened. We remember that God loved us enough to come and die for us so that He could give us life. (Luke 22:19)
The second direction of the Lord’s Supper is the forward direction. I remember Jesus’ promise that one day we will celebrate the Supper in His very presence at the end of time, when His programme to renew creation is finally completed. As I look at the pain and evil in the world (and this Sunday I will be thinking of my brothers and sisters who are hostages of the Taleban) I remember that it will not always be like this. One day, Jesus will return and heaven and earth will be one. And we will be joining in the celebratory feast in heaven. I find fresh energy to press on. (Mark 14:25)
The third direction of the Lord’s Supper is what I call the “look around” direction. As I come to the Lord’s table, I remember that I do not come alone. The Lord’s Supper is a family meal. As I take it, I remember that I belong to the community of believers. I remember the corporate nature of the Christian faith. Indeed I remember Paul’s warning that if I take the Lord’s Supper and I am responsible for disunity in the church, I am opening myself up for serious divine spiritual discipline. (1Corinthians 11:27-34)
The fourth direction of the Lord’s Supper is the outward direction. As I take the elements my heart is burdened by the fact that many are not yet at the table. I think of the many who have yet to receive the offer of life that Jesus proffers. I also remember that evangelism is not just confronting people with the cold rational truths of the faith. It is inviting people to a meal, to the feast of life that Jesus offers. (1Corinthians 11:26)
The fifth direction of the Lord Supper is the upward direction. I come to the table realising afresh my need for God and His grace. This week in particular I am really tired. I have just returned to Singapore after a full week of ministry in Malaysia to an exceptionally heavy week of ministry in Singapore. (I am hoping I can send this piece out in time.) As I come to the table I look up into the loving eyes of the Lord and remember that He stands waiting to feed me with His grace. I feast and am refreshed. (John 6:35)
Then there is the inward look. As I come to the Lord’s table, I do an audit of my heart. I confess known sin. I resolve to put right things that need my attention. I remember the six directions of the Lord’s Supper. No, I am not checking if I am holy enough to take Holy Communion. I fear some cheat themselves of the grace waiting at the table because they think they are not worthy of the elements. We will never be worthy enough. We come to the table precisely because we are not worthy and are in need of His grace. And He stands ready to receive all who come with humble hearts. (1Corinthians 11:28)
These then are the six directions of the Lord’s Supper. I first encountered this useful reminder of the meaning of the Lord’s Supper at a talk given by the Revd Canon Dr Michael Green many years ago. It has remained with me since because it is easy to remember and it so powerfully captures the richness of the meaning of the Lord’s Supper.
I fear that too often we rush through the Supper. We do it because it is part of the liturgy. But our minds are not prepared. And so our hearts are not engaged. It doesn’t help that I am from a believer’s church tradition where, in reaction to Roman Catholic Theology, I was often told that the Lord’s Supper was only a memorial.
Only a memorial? I beg to differ. The Lord’s Supper is the commemoration of the Cross, the central act of God’s revelation and God’s love. And while I am not sure that the Lord is in the bread and the wine, I am very sure that the Lord, in His Spirit, is at His table. And waiting to feed us.
This Sunday I approach the table with joy and gratitude. And have the privilege to invite my brothers and sisters to join me. I pray that at the Lord’s table we will find fresh grace for our pilgrimage on earth. And fresh resolve to press on till that day when we will feast with Jesus face to face.
Your brother,
Soo-Inn Tan