Servant of Servants
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of spirit. The ordinance preceding the Lord’s Supper is to clear away
these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down
from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead
him to serve his brother.
The holy Watcher from heaven is present at this season to make it
one of soul searching, of conviction of sin, and of the blessed assur-
ance of sins forgiven. Christ in the fullness of His grace is there to
change the current of the thoughts that have been running in selfish
channels. The Holy Spirit quickens the sensibilities of those who fol-
low the example of their Lord. As the Saviour’s humiliation for us is
remembered, thought links with thought; a chain of memories is called
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up, memories of God’s great goodness and of the favor and tenderness
of earthly friends. Blessings forgotten, mercies abused, kindnesses
slighted, are called to mind. Roots of bitterness that have crowded out
the precious plant of love are made manifest. Defects of character,
neglect of duties, ingratitude to God, coldness toward our brethren, are
called to remembrance. Sin is seen in the light in which God views
it. Our thoughts are not thoughts of self-complacency, but of severe
self-censure and humiliation. The mind is energized to break down
every barrier that has caused alienation. Evil thinking and evilspeaking
are put away. Sins are confessed, they are forgiven. The subduing
grace of Christ comes into the soul, and the love of Christ draws hearts
together in a blessed unity.
As the lesson of the preparatory service is thus learned, the desire
is kindled for a higher spiritual life. To this desire the divine Witness
will respond. The soul will be uplifted. We can partake of the Commu-
nion with a consciousness of sins forgiven. The sunshine of Christ’s
righteousness will fill the chambers of the mind and the soul temple.
We “behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
John 1:29
.
To those who receive the spirit of this service, it can never become
a mere ceremonial. Its constant lesson will be, “By love serve one an-
other.”
Galatians 5:13
. In washing the feet of His disciples, Christ gave
evidence that He would do any service, however humble, that would
make them heirs with Him of the eternal wealth of heaven’s treasure.
His disciples, in performing the same rite, pledge themselves in like
manner to serve their brethren. Whenever this ordinance is rightly
celebrated, the children of God are brought into a holy relationship, to