Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1914-12-30
G0D'SLOVE PROVED
Inspiration and Hope for the
Christian in the Blood of
the Redeemer.

daily life is accompanied by panks
that pull at our very heartstrings.
The fact that the Last Supper was
the last meal shared by Jesus and
his disciples was sufficient to make it
prominent milestone in their rela-
tionship.
However. let us first review the
events leading up to the passover
meal. 1t was probably Thursday, the
18th OF Nissan. April 6, in the year 80.
The disciples came inquiring of the
master where they would eat, asking
him to instruct them where to go to
make the necessary preparations.
Startling except to those who knew
Jesus was the answer, Go into the
city. and there shall meet you a man
bearing a pitcher Of water; follow
him
Suppose they had said that this
was preposterous, bearing water
pitchers was women's work, and that
they wanted better instructions But
they had learned TO trust him. even
as We must learn to take Jesus at his
word. The disciples went forth and
found "as he had said unto them"
The Traitor.
While they were eating that eve.
ming the heart of Jesus was heavy
with the thought of his coming be-
trayal, and this is reflected in the
cry. "One of you shall betray me,
even lie that eateth with me"
We can hardly comprehend the
depths of meaning in the words, even
he that eateth with me"
To the oriental mind this was a
sacred bond that promised friendship
and protection. To violate the pledge
implied by a meal shared together
was to invite the utmost contempt
We read that Judas had conferred
with the chief priests concerning
Christ's betrayal, and after promise
of money he sought how he might
conveniently deliver him into their
hands
The chief priests OF divinely given
religion, too scrupulous to give blood
money to the treasury or to defile
themselves by entering a pagan judg-
ment hall, shrank not from such in
fanny. never warned Judas OF the far
reaching consequences OF his act, thus
becoming accomplices in the only
crime through which it is quite Ger
tain that a soul was lost For II
Judas was to be saved in the end,
whatever he had to pass through to
achieve salvation. it could not have
been said of him. as Jesus said. that
1t were better If he had never been
born.
P.n interesting light is thrown upon
the occasion by the question Of the
disciples. rs 1t -" 1t is plain from
the Greek that the question expected
a negative answer. 1t indicates the
conscientious searching of hearts,
rather than mutual suspicion, and
quite clearly reveals how little they
suspected Judas and how we'll he bore
himself even under the direct charge
Of his Lord
The Memorial Rite.
Let us try to get close to Christ
and get his viewpoint of this sacra-
ment. 1t speaks in no uncertain
terms of what he thought of his own
death.
To us death is simply the close OF
our earthly life and the beginning Of
our spiritual life But to him it was
an achievement. a great victory. 1t
was a victory that we remember with
exultation, even though it cost the
conqueror's life
The amazing effect on the church
by the life OF Jesus is produced by
his death, and nothing else The
supper had no reference to his resur-
rection. We find our inspiration in
our Redeemer's blood. The creed
contains no reference to his three
year ministry. But take from 1t the
proclamation of his death and the
whole structure falls. There is no
Messiah, no church Because Christ
was lifted up, he draws all men unto
him Beyond dispute. the perpetual
nourishment Of the church, her bread
and wine. are the slain body and
the blood poured out for the many.
IT Is not for us 10 discuss the DIFF.
ferent views that separate bodies OF
Christians hold concerning the Lords
supper. As We read the Scripture.
we are held by the simplicity and
beauty Of the service. this the first,
administered by Jesus himself.
AS we partake. in whatever form,
we feel the uplifting power Of Gods
love for his children expressed in the
death Of his own son. This rite has
been celebrated by untold millions
Wherever the name OF Christ has en-.
tered. there have people jolned>In his
remembrance II Is one Of the SUI
preme examples OF the omnipotence
OF God. that through all ages. among
all races. all classes and creeds. this
service has been performed
OF one thing we may be sure, Christ
Instituted this rite for all Christians.
Whatever teaching appeals 20 us.
that should we follow and receive the
blessing that arises from feIIowshiB
at his able