The Culture and Discipline of the Table

This morning we considered the calling of fathers to nurture their children in the training and discipline of the Lord. We saw that this training and discipline requires the enculturation of our children into the truth, goodness, and beauty of Christ as well as administering the discipline of Christ. This is primarily the task of fathers, but it is also the calling of the Church. The Church has been given the commission to disciple the nations and this discipleship begins with baptism. Thus at baptism our children join us in the discipleship program of the Christian church. This program, administered through the officers of the church, likewise aims to establish a Christian culture and discipline. And this Table stands at the center of this culture and discipline. Here, at this Table, Christ trains us in truth, goodness, and beauty. Here we feast together in the beauty of holiness with the songs of Zion upon our lips. Here, the goodness of God is lavished upon us in the rich provision of the body and blood of Christ for our salvation. Here, by faith, we feed upon Christ who is the Truth. And so feeding upon Christ we are transformed to be a true, good, and beautiful people. Our senses are attuned to perceive that which is truly good and beautiful in everyday life: self-giving service, peace and unity among the Body of Christ, the simple joys of feasting together. This Table also administers the discipline of Christ for it is to the Church, not fathers, that Christ committed the keys of the kingdom. To be cut off from this Table is to be subjected to the discipline of Christ so as to be taught not to blaspheme. And in coming to the Table Christ deals with us, training us to more truly reflect His likeness in our relationships with one another. Here then, at this Table, we are gathered as the children of God to receive His fatherly care. Let us embrace this culture and discipline with joy and gladness.