CHAPTER ELEVEN: THE IMPORTANCE AND THE COMMISSION
OF THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD WITH
REGARD TO THE BIBLE READING MEETING
Read and pray: "A woman came to him, bringing an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table." (Mt 26:7)
There is another need we neglected in the past. We should seize the opportunity in all mutual meetings to supply others with the word. This can happen in prayer meetings, breaking of bread meetings, and fellowship meetings.
In some cities, there is no ministry of the word in prayer meetings. Instead, the saints sing some hymns and pray a little. After that, the meeting is concluded. This situation is neither normal nor appropriate.
Some of those attending the prayer meeting may be new believers, others may not know how to pray, and still others may not be in a praying mood. Therefore, without the ministry of the word, the meeting will be tasteless, and the saints will lose the desire to participate in it.
In other prayer meetings, there is a lack of the ministry of the word and a lack of guiding the saints to pray. The prayer meeting is like a boat without a rudder, tossed back and forth by the wind. When the wind blows from the east, the meeting heads west; when the wind blows from the west, the meeting floats east. Such a meeting is unattractive, and after spending time drifting here and there, it comes to an end. Meetings like this do not attract people; furthermore, they are an offense to the Lord and to the brothers.
Therefore, in meetings such as breaking of bread, prayer, and fellowship meetings, there should be provision for the ministry of the word. Those who serve should not sleep peacefully but always consider how to stimulate them. The meetings should be stirred by the ministry of the word and the guiding of the saints to choose hymns, pray, speak, and give announcements. The hearts of the brothers should be stirred, and they should be helped to open their mouths one by one to pray during the meeting.
Specifically, those serving in the ministry of the word should speak something in all prayer meetings. However, this should never be done rigidly. A word should also be spoken in the breaking of bread meeting, but not with rigidity. We need to be flexible.
Something may be said before or right after the breaking of the bread. One can even share something brief while the bread and cup are passed. We must simply follow the flow of the Spirit. Those ministering the word should be prepared to speak something in the meetings.
Concerning the Breaking of Bread Meeting
Many new believers have little knowledge regarding the importance of the breaking of bread. Therefore, we need to speak continually, stimulating them on these matters. However, this kind of stimulation should not be educational in nature.
We can bring a word of instruction in prayer meetings, but we should not do this in the breaking of bread meetings. These meetings differ in their focus and importance. There should be nothing educational in the breaking of bread meeting.
Any educational element will kill the meeting. If we sense the need for instruction, it should be given after the bread has already been broken. Any word spoken before the bread is broken or while the cup is being passed should not be educational in nature; otherwise, it will kill the Spirit. Any word of an educational nature, whether for correction, instruction, or explanation, should be given after the breaking of bread meeting.
But we should avoid giving an educational word before or during the breaking of bread, as it will distract the saints from the Lord. We should speak something that introduces the saints to the Lord, rather than diverting their attention from Him.
When we began gathering in northern China, the word was ministered in every breaking of bread meeting, always to lead the people to enter into the sweetness, glory, and beauty of the Lord.
On one occasion, just before we were about to break the bread, I stood up and shared a brief word concerning the sweetness and love of the Lord toward those who know and appreciate Him. I used several passages from the Gospels to show that the Lord was anointed on His head (Mt 26:6-7), on His feet (Lk 7:36-38), presented with incense and myrrh at His birth (Mt 2:11), and anointed with spices at His burial (Jn 19:39-40). Thus, from head to toe and from birth to death, He is sweet and loving. This sharing led the brothers to know the Lord they were remembering.
In another breaking of bread meeting, I read from Isaiah 53:10-11: "He [...] will see his offspring and prolong his days; [...] He will see the travail of his soul and be satisfied." I then continued with a passage from Psalms 17:15: "When I awake, I will be satisfied with your likeness."
These two texts speak of satisfaction from two sides. In simple words, I explained: "Our meeting here is the result of the Lord's work, and He is satisfied to see us here. And not only that, when we approach His table, we are like those who have awakened from their sleep. We were dizzy in the world, but before the bread and the cup, we are awakened. We are awakened in Him, behold His face, and are satisfied. This is a story of satisfaction from two sides: we satisfy Him, and He satisfies us."
I then requested a hymn related to this theme. We had many such occasions that were not educational in nature but contained considerable instruction.
On another occasion, I stood up and said that the Lord had received a name that is above every name (Phil 2:9). I then spoke for fifteen minutes about the name of the Lord, showing the brothers that we are saved in that name, have been incorporated into that name, pray in that name, and overcome Satan by that name. This word introduced the saints to the name of the Lord. After that, we were all touched as we sang a hymn related to the name of the Lord.
Enjoy more: Hymn 358
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