Spiritual Preparation: Thursday evening before communion
"Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominations." Ezekiel 36:31
On this day of confession and repentance, we remembered this morning that "sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4). This evening, we reflect on our specific "evil ways;" our "deeds that were not good." Human nature tends to think highly of itself, but the Bible is much more realistic. The reason why we Christians still need the grace of the Lord Jesus, what drives us to the Lord's Table this coming Sabbath, is that we "loathe" ourselves for our "iniquities" and "abominations." This is where repentance begins: with deep, heartfelt contrition for our lawlessness. Lord, give us a hatred for all that is impure! Work in us an agonizing desire to part with sin! Show us the effect of our sin! Paint it in all its true colors! Remove the deceitful spectrums of satanic light from our favorite sins, and give us to mourn over our transgressions. Only after we have sensed the probing points of the Law can we truly receive the medicinal balm of Christ. Yours in Christ, Chris