To The Table

Our first move across state borders is just about complete, and as I sit down in a semi-organized new house, my eyes dart to everything that remains incomplete. We are no strangers to moving, we’ve switched houses a lot, so we know how to unpack and declutter like the best of them. It’s funny how everyone had their “area” of concern when setting up house. My husband went straight for the garage, it’s important to him that the cars have a place to go and that the tools are hung properly. For me, the garage is simply where I dump trash bags and boxes for Goodwill, much to his annoyance. For me, it’s all about the kitchen. That’s where the family gathers, it’s where we chat, and catch up before going our own ways once more.

We decided that after months of living like nomads, it was time to get back to basics. We picked two nights during the week where we would come to the table together. I know it doesn’t sound like a lot, but with everyone’s schedules, it’s a solid start.

Years ago, I worked and lived in France, and meal time was sacred. It was always maman who prepared the food, but papa would call everyone with a booming voice to the table. “À table les enfants!” When dad called, you came. You sat, ate, participated in lively conversation, and never ever rushed off because you had something better to do.

I think the reason I want to emulate this table scene is because it reminds me so much of the feast we are invited to every day by the Lord. Jesus tells us He is the bread of life for a reason… we need daily nourishment, we must come to our place every single day and receive what He gives.

When our Father calls, when He invites us to come to the table, we would be crazy to turn down the invite. Still, lots of people choose to remain at the cheap buffet the world offers up, and it’s no wonder that they are malnourished and starving.

The table allows us to receive what we need and be able to give it away as well. When we refuse to feed on the Word and the truth, we begin to lack in all kinds of areas, like when our bodies are deficient of crucial nutrients. We start to believe all kinds of false things about God and ourselves (2 Thessalonians 2:10-11) and the pursuit of our truth pulls us further away from the real stuff God has for us.

If there’s one thing we believers need to cling to in these days, it’s that sin is a miserable master and holiness should be a normal and joyful pursuit of every Christian household, regardless of what our circumstances present. You cannot feast on junk theology or two-bit self help books and expect to be free or fruitful. The burden of feasting at the worlds table is a heavy one.

Resist the inward gaze. Resist the horrible messages that sound nice but are making everyone more anxious and more self-indulgent. Come to the table, and in turn, set a table for others to feast at.

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.

Isaiah 55:1-2

When the Father calls, we come! We abide, we eat, we remain… every day. His table comes at a cost, but it’s open to all who want to partake. Eat what is good friends, we can’t afford not to.