Isaiah 33:22 (NASB)For the LORD is our judge,The LORD is our lawgiver,The LORD is our king;He will save us—
Yesterday evening, Sylvania Church held our annual Maundy Thursday Service. Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, which means “to command.” On Thursday evening, before his arrest, trial and death by crucifixion, Jesus commanded that his disciples love one anther. (Jn 13:34, 15:12, 17) On this night he also instituted the Lord’s supper. (1 Cor 11:24, 25) The service is traditionally a salaam service, as we reflect on the final words of Jesus and his death for our sins.
The service began with a Hymn, “When I survey the Wondrous Cross,” and was followed by a Scripture reading, (Luke 22:14-23, 22:39-23:31) given by our pastor, Phillip Dancy. After which was a spoken confession, with parts spoken by the leader and parts spoken by the people. This is a very difficult confession because in it, the pastor puts himself in the place of Pilot and the congregation in the place of the people, as they request Barabbas released and Jesus crucified. Next there were seven Scripture readings, given by seven men; they were the last seven words of Jesus:
- Luke 23:32-34
- Luke 23:39-43
- John 19:25-27
- Matthew 27:45-47
- John 19:28-29
- John 19:30
- Luke 23:44-46
After hearing these last words of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were then given a time to meditate on the cross; preparing our hearts and minds to eat the elements of the Lord’s supper. (1 Corinthians 11:28 (NASB)
“But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”
We then ate of the bread and drank of the cup; representing the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. After this, a Hymn and a historical confession of faith:
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
Pastor Dancy gave a benediction, urging all to reflect on these things, preparing our hearts and minds for Easter Sunday. The departing Hymn:
The Lord’s PrayerOur FatherWhich art in heavenHallowed beThy nameThy kingdom comeThy will be doneOn EarthAs it is in heavenGive us this dayOur daily breadAnd forgive us our debtsAs we forgive our debtorsAnd lead us not into temptationBut deliver us from evilFor Thine is the kingdomAnd the power, and the gloryForeverAmen
