The Wine & The Bread are only part of the feast called to be partaken of the LORD Our God, but these are the most intimate elements. As we look deeper into an understanding of the nature and purpose of not only the feasts and elements regarding them, but to gain a better understanding of our God and King and the depth of His love and devotion.
From the Fruit of the Vine – The Pressing =The Wine
From the Threshing and Grinding of Wheat = The Bread
The Blood & The Body
Prior to The Law given to Moses (Moshe) the Servant of YHWH we find an account with the patriarch Abraham (Abram) returning from battle and he has an encounter with a very unique character, Melchizedek (Melech – KING/Tezdeq – RIGHTEOUSNESS) king of Salem (Shalom – PEACE), this figure has been a point of intrigue and mystery and debate as to who he was, but for this posting I just would like to bring our attention to the elements that this individual brought out to Abram. The account reads as follows; Genesis (Beginning) 14:18-20;
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out “bread and wine” and he blessed Abram…Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
This is the first example of not only the tithe or principal of the tenth, but also the sharing of “The Wine & The Bread” in an act of Blessing and an exchange of fondness, honor, and respect for one another- a – “fellowship” (koinonia).
These symbols are found throughout the entirety of God’s WORD and ordinances for the priesthood. They are significant and carry rich and deeper meanings and treasures.
Deuteronomy 14:23-29 depicts the calling for the gathering for the tithe, an annual occasion, in which all God’s people were to bring a tenth of their increase of the land, their flocks and herds, and from their vineyards. The three primary ordained feasts; Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles, offer similar ordinances and observances in regards to how they were to Celebrate the Feasts as well as daily sacrifices and offerings listed in The Book of Leviticus, all of which include these “Intimate” elements. For clarity in the point in which we are heading let us look at verse 26 of the above mentioned scripture. The people of God were instructed to bring to “The Dwelling Place for His NAME” (Ha Shem) and there with their family and friends in His Holy Presence partake of the feast with the food and fermented drink and REJOICE!
When considering the phrase to “Wine and Dine” many might often relate this to a man courting or trying to win the affection of a woman, as is often the case. In its very concept is the idea of relationship and furthermore and more to the point an “intimate” relationship. I would like to take a look at this from a Biblical perspective and apply it to what the Church calls the Communion elements, and what Judaism might call the Fellowship and Drink Offering.
Note the elements of wine and a grain (bread) offering.
The Two shall become One flesh (bread/body). Genesis (Beginning) . The Apostle Paul spiritualized and likened this UNION to Christ and His Ecclesia “the Church”.
On the night when Jesus was to be betrayed he was with his closest of friends, a time of intimacy, it is mentioned in the Gospel that a disciple was leaning upon Jesus’ bosom while they reclined at the table. This is the most profound picture I can call upon to convey this message. The Lord Jesus himself created an “Atmosphere of Intimacy” just prior to partaking of “The Wine & The Bread” with His -disciples, His -friends. Jesus stated to His disciples that He would not drink again of the “fruit of the vine” with them until He drinks it anew in The Kingdom of Heaven.
Now to avoid controversy regarding whether this wine is “grape juice” or a fermented wine it simply does not matter. Just as it was instructed to Moses regarding the Feasts and the Tithe offerings that was to be brought forth crops, animals, and fermented beverage was included. God is not trying to get us drunk in excess, but rather to draw us nearer to Him to be Filled by and with Him with Joyfulness, Gladness, and with Heartfelt Fellowship.
The main point for all this “Gathering Together” with The LORD, was to draw near to Him, to have a close and Intimate Personal relationship with Him (koinonia), as the wine (fruit of the vine) represents a blood covering or covenant, it is exactly the same concept in the consummation of a marriage. The breaking of the hymen, of a pure bride. As well as the bread (threshed and finely ground wheat) mingled with oil (symbol of His Holy Spirit) as a broken crushed body given to make us whole. Without offering ourselves as broken and contrite (to become vulnerable) we will never fully enter into an “Atmosphere of Intimacy“.
These three elements or stages; the Courting or Ordained betrothal , the Ceremony and the Consummation, validated a marriage in the culture of both the Old and New Testament era’s. This can also seen in various types in the gospels (Bridegroom -Christ/Bride – Church). These three stages: first, there was the betrothal stage; the courting, or the wooing, it is the Demonstration of Love and Devotion and The Promise of everlasting an Love and Faithfulness. Then, secondly at the right time, there was the presentation stage of the bride to the bridegroom, who would come for his bride – for The Wedding Ceremony followed then by a time of celebration and feasting at the Father’s House (The Wedding Super of The Lamb). Thirdly, following the Ceremony and celebratory feasting of the bride to the groom, they were to go immediately into their prepared place and Consummation stage of the marriage through sexual intercourse, to “know” one another were we get the phrase -carnal knowledge- in an “Atmosphere of Intimacy“.
The Union of “The two shall become one” is the culmination of love a “Common Union” (communion) coupled together through a covenant bond. This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh.
STRONGS G2842: Communion = koinonia
κοινωνία, κοινωνίας, ἡ ( κοινωνός), fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse
Through an “Atmosphere of Intimacy: The Wine & The Bread” The Word again becomes Flesh. The Living God becomes incarnate and dwells in and among men though His people The Ecclesia.
So I hope we all will take a little deeper longer moment when we enter into this Holy of Holies, this place of “Intimacy” with The Lord Our God and have true koinonia with Him, to rejoice and share in His GREAT Love, and allow Him to create something New in each one of us.
Jesus instructed His followers “do this in remembrance of me” the word remembrance here in the Greek is the word “anamnesis” = remembrance, which is from the Greek word “anamimnesko” which is it itself a compound word of “ana” = repetition, intensity and “mimnesko” = to recall to mind. In Hebrew it would be “zakar” = to mark, to remember, think on, to burn incense -a scent or fragrance, even referring to that which identifies one as being male. So as we partake, we should do so often and frequently with intensity and a purposeful heart, intentionally calling to mind the Great Love and Sacrifice of The only begotten Son of God he as the Bridegroom we as the bride. It is like renewing a vow, reflecting on your marriage covenant.
“An Atmosphere of Intimacy: The Wine & The Bread”
I pray The sweet fragrance and aroma of The Holy Spirit fill the atmosphere right now as it did with the High Priest as he entered The Holy of Holies with his incense bowl filled with coals form the altar of God. An offering made by fire, and aroma pleasing to to YHWH.
Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone invites me in, with him I will come in and sup…fellowship…have koinonia!
The Lord Bless You
A Watchmen on the Wall 