Reading: Exodus 24:9-11

In Exodus 24 God confirms the covenant with Israel by a solemn ceremony. The people promise to obey the Book of the Covenant. The ceremony is sealed with animal blood symbolizing the Jesus Christ’s blood. In vs 9-11 God concludes the ceremony. He invites Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy elders to eat in His presence. God gives them special tokens of his favour and allows them to be closer to Him than they could have expected. They see something of God’s glory; under his feet they see “a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity”, but they do not see God Himself, for “no man has seen or can see” God (1 Timothy 6:16).

Israel’s leaders were sinful men, and offensive to God’s holiness, but God does not punish or reject them. God is a consuming fire and they are just stubble before him. God therefore shows them great mercy. They have this festive meal before God, thankful for the covenant and their communion with God. What a great privilege!

This privilege is extended to the church, even for ever. Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper and dined with His disciples and gives them an even greater promise. “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom” (Luke 22:28-30).  Jesus Christ commands the church to celebrate Lord’s Supper regularly. He also promises those who remain faithful that they will dine with Him in his kingdom, that is, in life eternal. “I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20). How encouraging this is for the church, especially in difficult times.

Key text: Exodus 24:11 “and they ate and drank”.

Question: How does this passage help you to more joyfully celebrate Lord’s Supper?