In Luke’s account of the Last Supper, he tells us that:
And when the hour came, [Jesus] reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And [Jesus] said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
As much as he didn’t want to suffer, he still looked forward with eager expectation to have this meal with his disciples. And I have to tell you that I have earnestly desired to eat this meal with you all.
For a while, we suspended our coming to this table—it wasn’t out of disobedience to the Lord, but because of our love for one another. But over the past few months, as this table has been empty, I have often times felt the urgency, the eagerness, and even the necessity of coming back to this table.
The Lord’s table is as mandated for Christians as it is forbidden for non-Christians. Even though receiving the body and blood of Christ symbolized in this bread and cup doesn’t justify you, it is nonetheless, essential. If we want to pursue holiness in our church, this table is indispensable.
This bread and this cup call out to Jesus’ disciples, saying come and die to sin, come and live to righteousness. It calls us to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. It calls those at the table to watch out for the spiritual well-being of those sitting next to them.
So, come and welcome to Christ.