L. F. STARR by L. F. STARR

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 23, 1909

L. F. STARR

By L. F. STARR

The Lord's Supper—No. 2

L. F. STARR

“As often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord's death till he come.” What is that? The Lord's death?—Yes, ye proclaim the Lord's atoning death,—the death he died in propitiation for our sins. Ye proclaim the Lord's death in its atoning character for the sins of the world,—the death suffered for our sins, according to the Scriptures. Remember this sacred relationship, and proclaim the Lord's death as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. It is, then, a memorial service. That is one name by which it is called, but there is another.

It is also a communion,—a coming together of the children of God,—the disciples of the Lord Jesus commingling with Christ at meat at his table, and having his gracious presence to cheer their hearts. Nor are these all. It is not only the communion of my soul with its God and its Master, but it has another significance. As he meets with us, so we are expected to meet with one another in his name and spirit; to be brethren and sisters in Christian communion. It is a duty, and we can not escape from it. As Christ comes and enters into a close, loving, and tender relationship with us, so we must come into kindly, loving, and tender relationship with one another, and our differences must be forgotten and forgiven, and that forever. It must stand as a receipt in full, up to date, or we eat and drink unworthily, and bring condemnation to ourselves.

What is revealed in our own hearts by our examination? What is found there? What is our condition? Are we guilty

sinners? Have we backslidden from his grace, and been disobedient to the spirit of his love? Have we gone astray, like lost sheep, from him? If that is what we have found, if that be the relationship in which this service must be taken by us, if we be sinners and under condemnation, then “let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of that cup.” That means those of us who bear his name, whether we have backslidden or not.

And what shall be done when we have sinned, and know that we have violated our promises to God and have gone astray from him? We should come relying upon the atonement, and renew our oath of allegiance; come just as we are; come as sinners, but as repentant sinners; come making mention of his death; come with thoughts of his atonement in our hearts; come remembering the thought of his redemption from our sins, and looking for rest in him. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matt. 11:29. We should learn daily at his feet the true humility and meekness of Christ; learn to be more like him. Then it will be as easy to forgive others as it was for him to forgive those who had shamefully mistreated him in the hour of his terrible agony.