And when the hour was come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Luke 22:14
Nobody likes to be called selfish, or even to have someone suspect them of being selfish. But here’s an easy way to tell who are the selfish people in your Assembly: look at the clock on the wall as the time for the Breaking of Bread approaches. Anyone who regularly comes in the door less than five minutes before the appointed hour is selfish. Now, I’m not throwing stones at someone who was unavoidably delayed by a flat tire or an accident, nor of parents with small children who slip into their seats at the last moment to keep the time the tots must spend quietly to a minimum. I’m speaking about the people who know exactly how long it will take to drive from home to the Hall, and who leave home at exactly that amount of time before the meeting starts. Such people can’t help but cause disruptions to those who arrived earlier and who are quietly preparing their souls for worship. Such people are telling you and me, and the Lord, that their time with themselves is more important than their time with their fellow saints and with the Lord. That’s being selfish.
There used to be a bright red card above the inner door at the Fredericton Gospel Hall, with the words ‘When the hour was come…’written on it. It was there because several people had the unpleasant habit of rushing in the door at the last moment, or sometimes a few minutes after the last moment. The meeting was at least ten minutes along before there was a semblance of dignity and order. I don’t remember if the card helped, but it at least reminded the tardy folks of their selfishness.
Our text tells us that the Lord Jesus had a pattern of promptness, and we do well to learn from His example in this. This was an important event, one of the most significant events in the life of our Lord. The Last Supper was of tremendous consequences in terms of what transpired and what was taught. The Lord made sure that neither He nor His disciples were going to miss any of it. Our meetings are also very important, and Our Lord has promised to be there when we meet. Should we not rush to get there to enjoy His presence?
No, I know you are not selfish, you get to meetings on time. But pass the word on to some of those you see who are a bit tardy, that their selfishness is showing. -Jim MacIntosh