After Moses took blood and sprinkled the altar, the book of the covenant, and the people at Mount Sinai, he went up the mountain with Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and seventy of the elders of Israel (Exodus 24:9). There, on that mountain, they saw God, and they ate and drank. The covenant had been cut. The sacrifices offered. And a meal with God followed.
The same is true for us today. Here we are on Mount Zion. Through worship, we have offered ourselves to God as living sacrifices. He has announced His covenant promises to us. And now we sit down to a meal with Him as Moses did many years ago.
As you eat and drink, do so by faith. That “by faith” means that you lay hold of everything God has revealed. Is this meal just like any other? No. Paul had strong words for the Corinthians who were selfishly coming to this table, neglecting each other in the process. His rebuke was, “Do you not have houses to eat and drink in?” They sinned by considering the church of God a little, insignificant thing. They had grown to treat this table as if it were just another Tuesday night spaghetti dinner on paper plates.
Learn from their mistake. Steady yourselves. Prepare yourselves. You have come to eat and drink with God. God gives us many signs in creation. The trees remind us of Christ’s cross. The dove reminds us of the Holy Spirit. But this table does more than remind us. This table is a sacrament through which we, by faith, commune with the living God. Come, renewing your love to Him. Come, renewing your love for one another. Come in faith and welcome to Jesus Christ.