PREPARATION FOR THELORD’S SUPPER
Excerpted from Wilhelmus àBrakel, TheChristian’s Reasonable Service, 2.569–89
Part 1 of 2

It is of utmost necessity that he who desires to partake of the Lord’s Suppershould prepare himself to that end, for:

First, believers still carry within them the old Adam as well as aninclination to world conformity. So often they gravitate again toward theearth, as the weights in a clock, and therefore they find themselves unfit whensomething of a special nature needs to be performed. Consequently, especiallyat such occasions, believers need to encourage, stir up, and spiritually arousethemselves in order to perform spiritual duties in a spiritual fashion.

Secondly, everyone will be carefully examined at the table as to whetherhe wears a wedding garment; that is, whether he appears there with the properframe of heart. “And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there aman which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, howcamest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?” (Mt 22:11–12). It istherefore needful to put on the wedding garment prior to this event in order tobe a desirable guest.

Thirdly, it is furthermore a duty of an extraordinary nature. Oneapproaches unto God in an extraordinary manner, that is, in a very intimatemanner. One comes to the table as a partaker of the covenant in the presence ofother partakers of the covenant, sits at the Lord’s table in the light of Hiscountenance, and partakes of the signs and seals of the crucified body and shedblood of the Lord Jesus. And since it is the Lord’s will that He be sanctifiedin those who approach unto Him, it is needful to consider the following:“Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God?” (Mic6:6). One must therefore prepare himself in an extraordinary manner for thisextraordinary duty.

Fourthly, it is also God’s command that he who approaches unto God in anextraordinary manner should also prepare himself to that end. When the Lord wasabout to descend to the people upon Mount Sinai, the Lord gave command toMoses, saying, “Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, andlet them wash their clothes, And be ready against the third day” (Ex 19:10–11).When Israel was about to cross the Jordan dry-shod by a divine miracle, it wascommanded, “Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders amongyou” (Jos 3:5). When Moses approached the burning bush—a symbol of God’sextraordinary presence—he heard the voice, “Put off thy shoes from off thyfeet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground” (Ex 3:5). When Samuelinvited Jesse and the elders to the sacrifice, he said, “Sanctify yourselves,and come with me to the sacrifice” (1 Sam 16:5). Whenever the priests wouldapproach unto the altar, they first had to wash themselves. Therefore, we also,when about to approach to the holy table, must first prepare ourselves.

Fifthly, it will generally be experienced that a blessing is receivedafter having prepared one’s self. I repeat, generally, for it does occasionallyoccur that a godly person who neglects preparation until the last moment andultimately cannot bring himself to be properly engaged therein, in a short timecan consciously sink away so deeply in his abominableness, insignificance, andsinfulness; receive the Lord Jesus in such a lively frame, acknowledging freegrace; and with such sincerity arise from his sinful state, that he partakes infaith and does receive many conscious encouragements, so that in amazement heexclaims, “Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?” (Gen 16:13). Onthe contrary, it can also happen that a believer who has made much work ofpreparation, both during the time of preparation and in partaking, remains inthe dark, is troubled, and is weak in faith. And even if he received lightduring the time of preparation, it can happen at the table that a suddendarkness and deadness come upon him, so that he who was encouraged while comingto the table, returns with sorrow to his seat. However, even though this doeshappen, preparation ought not to be neglected, for it is his duty. One mustenter in God’s way, and God generally bestows a blessing upon seriouspreparation, be it that which one had in view or that which is most beneficialfor him at that time. To such a person the promise will be fulfilled, “And yeshall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart”(Jer 29:13). The soul will then not accuse itself of slothfulness, but willfind peace in her sincere endeavours. From this, one can perceive the necessityof preparation.

Even though we may perceive the necessity of preparation, we nevertheless allowourselves to be readily hindered and to be kept from it.

(1) This may be done by way of postponement, saying, “Yes, I must, I amwilling, and I shall engage myself in preparation; however, I will do it then,at such and such a time when this matter has transpired and after that task hasbeen finished. I am not fit at this moment.” Often, the then doesnot materialise. Meanwhile, the time which we thought would be available slipsaway, and before having prepared ourselves, we are overtaken by the eventitself. One then finds himself unfit to use the remaining time properly, andwill have to attend in such an unprepared fashion.

(2) The devil is active in a most subtle manner by providing us with so manyactivities that it appears we have no time for preparation, or by stirring upour lusts and causing us to fall into sin, so that we are tossed to and fro aschaff in the wind. He thus attempts to captivate the heart, allowing it noquietude to formulate thoughts with composure.

(3) Sometimes one will be in doubt as to whether he ought to attend. Oneobstacle or the other is in the way, causing him to say, “I am so in the dark,so unbelieving, and so confused. Would it be better if I would not attend thistime?” By thus being caught in the middle, whether to partake or not topartake—as if this were his own decision—time passes by and the desire fails.If, however, he determines, “I must go and I shall go,” he will be all the moremotivated to be engaged in preparation.

(4) Having now begun with preparation, this work appears to be of a verydifficult nature, and he perceives himself entirely unfit to perform suchdifficult work: “It is too difficult and impossible for me to make such aneffort, to engage in such close self-examination, mourn over sin, pray andweep, and observe a day of fasting.” He thus refrains from doing so, or it ispostponed from day to day. Or he will, with much hesitation, begin with thatwhich he ought to undertake in an evangelical manner, that is, by quietlywaiting upon the Spirit and quietly giving heed to His motions as much as he isable. For here it is true that it is not by might, nor by power, but it musttake place by the Spirit.

(5) It can also be that upon engaging in preparation, one experiences himselfto be more unfit than he expected to be—yes, becoming more unspiritual,confused, and in more darkness than was the case previously. A lively frameyields to a dead frame, and a believing to an unbelieving frame, relative tothe truth as well as one’s spiritual state. This would cause a person to bediscouraged and inclined to desist from this work. One must note such a frame,however, as an indication that God will deal with you in a special manner, andis desirous to give you much grace. Therefore do not walk away from this tasknor refrain from it. Rather, take courage and wait upon the Lord; He willstrengthen thine heart.

As we proceed to consider the work of preparation, three matters are to bepractised: (1) a stimulating of desire; (2) an examination of self; and (3)spiritual adornment.

The First Aspect of Preparation:
A Stimulating of Desire

One must first of all endeavour to stir up a strong desire tobe among God’s people, to appear before the Lord with the multitude that keepsholyday, to see the good of His chosen, to rejoice in the gladness of Hispeople, and to glory with His inheritance. How David longed for this! “Onething have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell inthe house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of theLORD, and to inquire in his temple” (Ps 27:4); “My soul thirsteth for God, forthe living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” (Ps 42:2). Howsorrowful he was when he was deprived of this! “When I remember these things, Ipour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them tothe house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that keptholyday” (Ps 42:4); “Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in thetents of Kedar!” (Ps 120:5). How he rejoiced when he was permitted to be amongGod’s people in the temple! “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go intothe house of the LORD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem” (Ps122:1–2).

Therefore, may your desires be also thus stimulated. Permit me to arouse adesire within you and to stir you up.

The meeting place where the Lord’s Supper is administered is at that momentnone other than a portal of heaven—with Jacob one may say of it, “Surely theLORD is in this place... How dreadful is this place! this is none other but thehouse of God, and this is the gate of heaven” (Gen 28:16–17). Heaven opensitself in such a place, and the rays of divine glory and grace descend to thatplace, filling it with the very presence of God. The Father comes to His peoplewith His favour and reveals Himself in a familiar manner to His favourites,addressing them as Ammi, ruhamah! that is, My people,and object of My mercy! I have loved thee with an everlasting love andtherefore I have drawn thee with loving kindness. I have come here to meet youin order to make known to you, and to cause you to feel, my delight and mylove. The Lord Jesus, the Bridegroom, comes in His love to them to have thissupper with them and to cause them to enjoy it together with Him. With love anddelight He views them as they surround Him. It is there that the Holy Spirit isactive, filling the soul with light, grace, and comforts. There multitudes ofangels are present who delight themselves in God’s gracious coming to Hispeople. They observe everyone’s behaviour and investigate as much as possiblewhat the spiritual motions of each person are. Here they observe one who faintsfor desire; there is one overwhelmed with love; there one who swoons due to theabsence of Jesus; there a soul is bowed down in sorrow. There is one in whoseeyes can be seen a fearful anxiety due to the heart being so oppressed and sohard that not one sigh to heaven can come forth; there quiet tears trickle downthe cheek since the Comforter who should comfort the soul is so far from him.Yonder is one who is strong in the faith and stands firm upon the truths andpromises of God as standing upon a rock. Here is one who follows hard after theLord, and there is one who is leaning upon her Beloved; there is one who isburdened with sin and who, with this heavy burden, comes to Jesus to be delivered.There comes an infant in grace in all simplicity, and here there are some whoreceive rivers of grace and comfort, so that they are filled to overflowing.All this longing, yearning, sighing, weeping, and goings forth of love aredirected toward Jesus and end in God. Here all that is perceived andexperienced in the soul converges in one focal point. All this the angels viewwith wondrous delight and they glorify God for His grace and goodness towardthe children of men. Here is the household of God, and here spiritual friendsare gathered together for a moment in order to delight themselves in thepresence of their heavenly Father and in Jesus, their beloved Bridegroom. Whoseheart, upon observing these manifestations, would not be stirred also to go there,to be part of this gathering, and also to delight oneself in the Lord? Even abarren soul will say, “There I wish to go, for it could be that I may receive ablessing there.”

Secondly, consider this gathering as being led into the inner chambers (Song1:4) and into the king’s palace (Ps 45:15), where many wonders are unveiled tothe godly which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, which has never enteredinto the heart of man, and which God has prepared for them that love Him. Oh,what glorious matters the Lord shows them there, and what sweetness He causesthem to taste there! There He grants His children a profound insight into theeternal, sovereign pleasure of eternal election: He has known and loved themfrom eternity and has ordained them to be the recipients of a salvation whichpasses all understanding. There He reveals to them the covenant of redemption,the Counsel of Peace between Jehovah and the Man whose name is the Branch,together with all the conditions and promises of this covenant, the voluntarysurrender of the Son to be a Surety for those elect, and the manner in whichthis covenant is their certainty and salvation. There He reveals to them Hisunfathomable wisdom in the way by which He leads them to salvation by firstconcluding them under sin and permitting them to come into a state in whichthey completely miss and are estranged from God, from which He afterwards,demonstrating His wondrous mercy, delivers them again. There He reveals to themthe work of redemption; there they behold Jesus coming in the flesh, and theyfollow Him from the manger to the cross—in His preaching, His acts ofbenevolence, and His suffering and death. Not only do they reflect upon this asa truth, but they do so in a lively, intimate manner, considering the veryessence of the matters themselves and all the perfections of God which arerevealed in them. They focus on every one of them and are in amazement aboutevery one of them. The Lord reveals to them the wondrous ways in which He hasdrawn them and led them hitherto. There He reveals something to them of futureglory, which at times brings them into ecstasy. There He assures them of, andseals to them, His eternal love and the certainty of their state, letting themdepart with a loving kiss of His mouth.

Thirdly, consider for a moment the sweet and friendly invitation of the LordJesus Himself. He has no need of you; He could have passed you by and haveinvited others. However, He now says to you, “Come, for all things are ready!”This invitation He accompanies with so many sweet motives—yes, in His Name Hebeseeches you that you would come to Him. Furthermore, He Himself stands at thedoor and knocks, waiting for you to open to Him in order that He may sup withyou and you with Him (Rev 3:20). The bride acknowledged this by saying, “Isleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh,saying, Open to Me, My sister, My love, My dove, My undefiled: for My head isfilled with dew, and My locks with the drops of the night” (Song 5:2). Since Hecalls and invites you in such a friendly manner to have fellowship with Him,would you then yet walk away or remain standing? No, but allow your heart to beset aflame with love for such a gathering, and let your soul, so to speak, flythere with wings.

Fourthly, at the Lord’s Supper a public confession of the Lord Jesus is made.It is then that the celebrating church professes publicly before the entireworld, and proclaims that Jesus Christ is the only and sufficient Saviour,their Head, and their Lord. She commemorates His suffering and death as theonly atoning sacrifice, and she declares the death of the Lord to be the onlyfoundation for peace, comfort, and life. It is God’s way to convert men byconfessing the Lord Jesus and to thus gather His Church. It is the honour whichthe Father has awarded the Lord Jesus upon His suffering. A true believer haslove for the Lord Jesus, and wherever there is true love, the believer has adesire to say of his Beloved, “This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend” (Song5:16). The Lord Jesus takes careful notice of those who are not ashamed of Himand whose delight it is, together with the church, to confess Him and to liveto His honour and glory. He promises that He in turn will confess them beforeHis Father, before the angels, and before the entire world. Since, therefore,the partaking of the Lord’s Supper is a public confession of the Lord Jesus,who would then not be stirred up to be among that people who profess andexclaim that Jesus is King? It is a confession that one would not neglect tomake in time of persecution, even if he would have to die for it.

Fifthly, one exercises communion with Christ in the Lord’s Supper. Is not thatthe focus of all your desires, and the essence of your spiritual life? Is notyour soul troubled in the absence of such communion? It is there that the LordJesus assures believers of being a partaker of Him as well as of His lovetoward them. It is there that the Holy Spirit generally works in a moreperceptible manner. On the one hand, He reveals the promises to them and themarks of those who are heirs thereof, and on the other hand He reveals to themthe graces which are to be found in them. Thus, on the basis of God’s Word, Hecauses them to come to the following conclusion: The Lord promises thesespecific matters to those who are in such a condition; however, in the presenceof God, I perceive such spiritual frames to be within me and therefore thesespecific promises are for me—and since the Lord is true, He will also fulfilthem for me. Furthermore, believers consider the signs of the Lord’s Supper asa seal and pledge by which they are assured that they truly belong to Christand that Christ is also their portion. At such a moment the Holy Spirit worksimmediately and witnesses with their spirit that they are the children of God,impressing the Word, the seal, and their conclusion so powerfully upon theirheart, that they know that the Lord Jesus loves them. This in turn causes theirlove to be revived toward Him and they thus exercise intimate fellowship withChrist. “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of theblood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the bodyof Christ?” (1 Cor 10:16). How all this ought to stir up the believer topartake joyfully of the Lord’s Supper!

Sixthly, not only is there a sealing communion with Christ in the Lord’sSupper, but there are also times when one may enjoy extraordinary graces whichengender ecstasy. A person may at times, with the disciples, be brought to theholy mountain and see Christ in His glory. Occasionally, the believer is thereled into the banqueting house, and Christ spreads His love over him as abanner. He and the Father come and make their abode with him. He causes him attimes to dip joyfully into the fountain of salvation, and such corn and winecauses even the lips of the young men and the young daughters to speak. Hekisses them with the kisses of His mouth and satisfies them there with thegoodness of His house, even of His holy temple. He causes them to sing praiseswith joyful lips. Therefore, “let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will,let him take the water of life freely” (Rev 22:17).

Seventhly, consider furthermore the blessed company which gathers there, forthere God’s children are gathered together before the countenance of theirheavenly Father and their beloved Jesus in order to find mutual delight. Therethey express their love to each other; there they fully separate themselvesfrom the world and despise its love since they find satisfaction in theirmutual love for each other. There they express their love, not only for thosewith whom they are acquainted, but also toward all believers with whom they arenot acquainted. They not only unite themselves with all the godly who arepresent, but also with the angels and with the souls of just men made perfect.“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, theheavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the generalassembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to Godthe Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus themediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling” (Heb 12:22–24).Even if the world, as their enemy, hates, despises, persecutes, and oppressesthem, there is yet no reason for concern; they can readily miss its love, forthey have better company and they refresh themselves in a sweet manner in theexercise of mutual love. They confess this unity in the Lord’s Supper by eatingof the same bread and by drinking of the same cup. “For we being many are onebread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread” (1 Cor 10:17).Thus, God’s children may here enjoy a prenuptial celebration.

Eighthly, one furthermore gains strength from the Lord’s Supper insanctification, the mortification of sin, and the living of a life that ispleasing unto the Lord—for the food and drink of this meal yield strength andrefreshment. Here faith is strengthened; love is stirred up and becomes moresteadfast; and here is union with Jesus, the very life of the soul, and awilling commitment to serve the Lord. The Lord’s Supper obligates one to achildlike obedience and here one becomes enamoured with continual fellowshipwith God—fellowship impeded by sin, but enlivened by the exercise of godliness.Therefore the soul quietly begins to shine as Moses’ countenance did. She is asthe bride of Christ, receiving the eyes of a dove to keep her Beloved continuallyin view and to look away from all that is desirable. It is her desire to pleaseher Beloved, and she therefore yields to His will.

If there be then a stirring within, a believer—however sluggish he may be andhowever many difficulties and objections he may be accustomed to bringforth—ought to be moved to go with longing to the Lord’s Supper and to say withMoses, “I will now turn aside, and see this great sight” (Ex 3:3).

—31 March 2002

Part 2 of 2