Preparation

by Richard | Category: General | Sept 1957

"But let a man prove (examine, A.V.) himself, and so let him eat of

the bread and drink of the cup ..." (1 Corinthians 11. 28).

This is an imperative behest to all who would, in the simple act of eating bread and drinking wine, obey their Saviour and Lord. It is one to which we must take heed if we would escape the terrible judgement of the following verse.

This proving of ourselves, our thoughts, motives and overt acts, should continue all through the week; but especially on the Lord's day morning before proceeding to the meeting room and while hushed in spirit before the worship commences should this examination of ourselves, not others, take place. If we would be "in the Spirit on the Lord's day," where we are and what we do on Saturday night and early on the first day of the week are of extreme importance. Perhaps the following persona] experiences will help to illustrate this.

In my early days it was my custom to start out early and alone for the Remembrance, walking the greater part of the way in order that I might submit to this self examination and subsequent confession. This done, I would meditate on the beauties and perfection to be found in Him who was to be the object of Remembrance.

January 1st, New Year's Day and first day of the week! A new start. I left home and, after the usual walk, waited to board the public transport for the remainder of the distance. The bus was late and when it appeared the driver was almost too hurried to allow one safely to jump aboard. I noticed, if no one was standing at the official stops, he sped past at a great speed. To make matters worse, as I approached my alighting place, the conductor was on the top deck and, as directed, I rang the bell for the driver to stop. As no pedestrians were waiting to be picked up the driver ignored my signal and proceeded to the next stop. Forgetting my recent examination and confession I was furious and went to the driver and started to rebuke him. He got out of his cabin, his conductor joined him and our voices were raised in heated argument. Right into the centre of it came the Scripture to my mind, "Behold, My Servant ... My Chosen, in whom My soul delighteth, He shall not strive nor cry aloud; neither shall any one hear His voice in the streets" (Isaiah 42.2 and Matthew 12.19).

With heavy heart I turned my steps to the meeting room. This was the One I had set out to remember and had forgotten so soon. He was meek and lowly of heart; He came not to be ministered unto but to minister. "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at My word." Again the prophet's voice startled me and, deeply conscious of such a contrary spirit and demeanour, I took my seat with the gathered company. Perhaps I should have been better away, for my mind would not settle, the spirit was frayed, the tranquillity had gone. Maybe, also my froward spirit had an adverse effect upon the worship that morning. I verily believe this may be the sad effect and that the assemblies are kept, on occasion, from the highest rapture in worship by the earth-bound soul of one in their midst. However, the Spirit's injunction is, "Let a man prove himself, and so let him eat," not stay away.

A week later I started out and met with such a different experience! Being very early I walked far, meditating as I went. Thus musing of our Lord I entered a churchyard in which was erected a cross with a representation of Christ thereon impaled. One or two small urchins - it was a poor part of the city-were playing around the rails which guarded the crucifix. As I was passing one little chap looked up into that Face and in a startled voice-as if he had never seen it before asked, Who's that ? " " Don't yer know," replied his pal, not irreverently, " that's Jesus." What an opportunity, I thought, and, gathering the lads as near as possible to the foot of that cross, I sought to bring them nearer to the real cross and to the Saviour who died for them so long ago.

Glad of such an opportunity and light of heart I reached the hall

and what anI had, we all had, that morning as we entered experience

into the Holies on the ground of the finished work of our beloved Saviour at Calvary!

From such contrasting experiences arose the foregoing meditation which is submitted in the hope that it may be helpful to others.

Richard | Sept 1957
General