Gathered round Thyself, Lord Jesus

My previous note was not correct about the cross, His cup of suffering. Is mentioned in verse 6. “Look to the cross and haste His coming. The cross is connected to the Lord’s return and our kingdom reward. If we grow we will hasten His return. Peter wanted to sit next to Christ on the throne and share in His reigning. The Lord asked him if he was willing to drink the cup He drank. Then He said you will drink it. No cross, no suffering for The gospel’s sake, no reward and no growth of life. No one wants to hear this. Maybe there is a remnant?

How wonderful to gather round your table this morning, We must lose sight of all but thee. We drink the cup of blessing and eat the bread of life. We can experience His blood and be satisfied with Him the bread and enjoy His ressurection and His presence. We can be satisfied with this blessing but if we never drink the cup of His suffering we will not gain more of Him. The Lord asked Peter if he was willing to take the cup He took. Are we willing? Without this cup there is no kingdom reward. Sorry not all of this is in the hymn.

See hymn "As gathered in Thy precious name" #218 for a comment by this hymn author's great granddaughter.