In partaking of this meal, we are recognizing that the Lord Jesus is our ruler and sovereign. We rejoice in His righteousness, and we exult in His care for us. That care is manifested in a glorious way, here, at this Table.
“For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment” (Dt. 10:17-18).
Our God is the God of gods. He is the Lord of lords. He is mighty and terrible, and cannot be bought off with human bribes. The only payment He has ever received concerning His judgment of us was the payment of His Son’s blood, which is the memorial before us now. He is the one who defends the fatherless and widow, rising up to destroy all those who would show contempt to them.
Our God loves the stranger—which is what we were before His kindness brought us near. And what does He do for the stranger? He provides him with raiment, which in our case was the perfect white robe of Christ’s righteousness. We were naked and He clothed us.
What else does He do? He provides us with food. Here before us is the body of Jesus Christ, broken for sinners, and the blood of Jesus Christ, shed for sinners. May you come to this meal? Well, are you a sinner? Have you recognized that sin by receiving the washing represented in baptism? If you have, then you may come. Anyone may come on this basis. Anyone may respond to this invitation. And all who may come on this basis must come.
Come, and welcome, to Jesus Christ.