Today, because of this pandemic, in many of our churches the Lord’s Table has been removed from our worship and sits collecting dust in some back room. With its inscription, “DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME” now out of sight, we hold our little self-contained cups in our hands, with the awkward task of removing the cellophane covered plastic as the communion begins. You may consider my points here weak or frivolous, but bear with me as I consider the significance of the table.
While I cannot say that the communion table is necessary in our churches today, I can say confidently that it was required by God in the Tabernacle. According to His instructions, in the Holy Place of the tent there was to be a table.
The table was a little over three feet long and about two feet wide. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold with a gold rim around it (Exodus 25:23-30). Twelve loaves of bread were laid out in two rows, or stacks, six to a row. A bowl of Frankincense was laid at the head of each row. “Every Sabbath” and “continually” four priests would enter, two to remove the old loaves, and two to lay out the new loaves. This was done simultaneously, so that there was always bread on the table. The two bowls of Frankincense were then offered with fire unto the Lord. The old bread was to be eaten in the Holy Place by the priests. (Leviticus 24:5-9). This would be the “pattern” for the Lord’s Supper in the New Testament church.
Moses was instructed that “You shall set the bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times” (Exodus 25:30). Even when they were moving the Tabernacle during their journeys, “the continual bread shall be on it,” covered with a blue cloth (Numbers 4:7). Clearly this table was never stored away in some priest’s back room.
No, God did not give instructions for a particular table to be used in today’s worship. That said, at least once the Lord’s Supper is referred to as “the table of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 10:21).
Many may see these self-contained communion cups, which we pick up as we come into the auditorium, as more convenient, less trouble, and so should be kept in use. I hope not. We can learn from the Tabernacle that God wants a reverent and respectful approach to our worship. The Lord’s Supper is the reason we have assembled. The table was put up front to make this sacred memorial meal visible and prominent in our assemblies. I do hope that leaders will bring back their communion tables and give the Bread and the Cup its dignified, respectful, and rightful place in our worship.
Dennis Doughty
How often is the communion to be observed? Learn the answer is this brief video.
