God loves tables!
Throughout Scriptures, we see God drawn to a table. The reason is because he desires a relationship with you and me!
Biblically, tables mean something:
The first relationship between God and humanity started in a garden centered upon food.
Before priests of old could enter into the presence of God, the holy of holies, they had to pause in an inner court and partake of sanctified bread at a table in preparation for the next level of relationship with God.
When Jesus was on Earth, he was accused of spending too much time at tables with the wrong kind of people, gluttons and winebibbers.
Jesus famously visited the house of close friends in John 12 for a meal, a gathering at a table. Spectacularly, that table turned into a platform for a worship service.
When Jesus was preparing to depart his disciples and go to the Cross, he called them to a table to celebrate Passover and install the elements of Communion.
When we get to Heaven, one of our first experiences will be to gather at a table with people from every tribe and tongue to partake in what is biblically referred to as the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
In John’ Gospel alone there are 21 stories that deal with food or eating either with direct references or used in metaphors.
Jesus instructs us to remember him by visiting his “table” and partake of the sacraments of bread symbolizing his broken body and the cup signifying his poured out blood.
Most likely, the Bible’s consistent references to a table provides visualization of God’s desire to grow his relationship with us. After all, our first job is to be with him. Being with Him changes us! This follows closely with what the apostles are called to do in Mark 3. It says, “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
Yes, the disciples are called to serve Jesus, and they are being sent out – but before departure they are appointed to be with Jesus. We are to walk and talk with Jesus, growing in a deep meaningful relationship with Him.
How can we grow and enjoy God if we don’t spend any time with him?
For context, a 2018 study of 2,000 families with school-aged children showed that the average family gets just 37 minutes a day of time together. (1) We can think about how Covid changed that. Families have been spending more time together because of stay-at-home orders and avoiding crowds. But it seems as though our schedules are getting packed again, leaving less family time than before. How can families truly enjoy one another, grow, and care for one another when they’re spending less than 45 minutes a day together? The principle applies to our relationship with Christ, how can we grow and enjoy God when we don’t spend any time with him?
Ironically, after Simon Peter had denied having ever known Jesus during the events of the crucifixion, Jesus invited Peter to a makeshift table, beside a campfire and morning breakfast, to mend the relationship.
“Come and eat breakfast…” (John 21:12 NKJV)
It was at that “table” that Peter was given the opportunity to amend for his three denials of Jesus by offering three affirmations of his love for Jesus and transition from a fisherman to a shepherd at Jesus’ invitation.
Again, God loves tables! And, there is an invitation for you to join him in deeper relationship at your own table of relationship with Heaven. Take some time to meet Him at the “table” by investing time into prayer, mediation, and His Word.
I invite you to view this message in its entirety at this link: https://youtu.be/pPak8_syxOQ
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1) Sam Paul, “American Families Barely Spend Quality Time Together,” New York Post, March 20, 2016, https://nypost.com/2018/03/20/american-families-barely-spend-quality-time-together/.