When Jesus met with His disciples on that last night together He knew it would be their last meal, but they didn’t. They were going through yet another Paschal meal, one like all the others. The ritual, the songs, the ceremony were designed to bring to their minds the events of Passover night. Each element prepared them for the offering of their passover lamb. Each one would have concluded that this night was no different than any other night. But, oh were they wrong.
The Jewish cycle of life is designed to stir the memory. Throughout the Old Testament the Lord set aside certain celebrations or places to remind them of where they had come from and where they were going. Throughout the Book of Joshua we meet a series of piles of stones used for this reason. The piles were placed at different spots so the younger could ask the older, “What is that pile of stones for?” Each memory was to be as fresh as at first.
But, over the years the freshness became stale. The memories became blurred. And, the worshippers become dull to the real reason for the celebration. Even to his day Jewish folks gather for the celebration of Passover without realizing the most important part; that it points to Messiah Jesus. In the entire service each element is yet another signpost pointing to Jesus. Yet, being blind to spiritual matters they simply go through the motions.
Sunday morning we will once again celebrate the Lord’s Table, Communion, or the Lord’s Supper. Our celebration goes by many different names. However, it has one main purpose; to remind of of Jesus. The words above our the key to what we do and why we do it. Each part of the service is designed to point us away from ourself and unto Jesus. It’s truly not about us, but rather, it’s about Him.
Would you begin now to prepare your heart for Communion? Would you look deeply into your heart to be sure your saved and walking in obedience to the Lord? Don’t wait until Sunday morning to prepare your heart. Begin now.
Bacchus was the god of wine. He was also known as Dionysus. He was seen as the god of the grape harvest which led to the fermentation of the wine. He provided for his “worshippers” a frenzy or ecstasy that brought them back time and again. Ephesus was one of the centers of the worship of Bacchus. Historians tell us that the celebrations associated with Bacchus were so out of hand that the Roman Senate forbid these celebrations! Now, that is saying something.
This detrimental and debauched lifestyle was normal fare for the citizens of Ephesus. They were known as partiers who knew how to have a “good time.” Even associated with their worship of the goddess Diana, Bacchus would provide a better time.
And, it was out of this kind of lifestyle many who made up the Church in Ephesus were saved from. These former drunkards and abusers were now being taught a new way to live. The Apostle Paul comes to this topic in Ephesians 5:18-20. He will call the believers to be controlled by something new, or rather Someone new. He tells them to stop being controlled by the provisions of Bacchus. Rather, be controlled by the Holy Spirit Who was given to each believer.
In our day we are being told that a “teetotaler,” one who completely abstains from any use of alcoholic beverages is out of step with modern culture. More and more Christian voices are calling for a relaxation of of the old “legalistic” stance against the moderate use of alcohol. Is this a good step? Is this the path we as believers should be taking?
I believe not. Call me “old fashioned” or “stuck in the past,” but I still believe the path of total abstinence is the best way to live. Sunday we will approach this very controversial subject as we enter the passage in Ephesians. We will look at what Paul is saying to his original readers and to us today.
As you try to answer this question for yourself may I ask you one thing? If I never drink, will I ever have to worry about drunkenness or alcoholism? I think the answer is obvious, isn’t it? Come Sunday so we can study this important subject together. Let’s choose wisely.
