The End of the Lord's Supper?

This is something that I don't believe I addressed in our Revelation study, so I will here.  In 1 Corinthians 11:26, we read, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes."  This is talking about "the Lord's Supper," of course (v. 20), meaning its practice has a terminating point in the future.  

Of course, since we are now in Revelation 19, we are considering His return.  In v. 9, we read, "Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."  This is a celebration of the union we will share with Christ.  To follow the marriage metaphor, the marriage with the Lord is already complete at this point; the supper is a celebration of the new union which has occurred. And, in case you're wondering, yes, the same word for "supper" in Revelation 19:9 appears in 1 Corinthians 11:20. 

So, what is the length of the wedding feast?  Wedding feasts in the ancient world involving VIPs could last for days, maybe even a week or more.  Some have suggested that this wedding feast may last throughout the entire millennial Kingdom, with others saying it lasts through all eternity!

The text doesn't answer that question, but only our current notions of a feast would have us assume it would be only a few hours long.  It may well last through the Millennial Kingdom, at least.  Whatever the case, it will be present for some time, while the practice of Lord's Supper fittingly comes to an end.  Consider what our Lord predicted when He instituted the Lord's supper, saying, "I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Mt 26:29).  

Perhaps the marriage supper of the Lamb replaces the Lord's supper as an ongoing commemoration of His sacrifice, adding the celebration of the eternal union of Christ to His bride, His people.

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