A Seat at the Table
It was a Thursday afternoon, and I had just arrived at the retreat house after scrambling to get done all the things that have to be done before a busy mom in ministry can leave town. My teenage daughter was a hot mess, and I felt like a failure for so many reasons, but I had committed to this event, and I knew I needed to be there. When I walked into the room, my eyes fell on a long table set for dinner. It was so thoughtfully and delightfully decorated with silver chargers, pretty plates, gleaming flatware, sparkling glasses, cheerful yellow pansies placed carefully as centerpieces, and an elegantly wrapped gift at every place setting.
I was carrying so much baggage when I got there that all I could think was, “Oh my, I am not dressed for dinner at this table, and I packed so quickly that I don’t even have anything nice to put on. I’m sure everyone won’t fit anyway, so I will just grab a seat at the bar nearby when it’s time.” And then I saw them. There were name cards at every place. I had never had a seat at the table with my name on it. But there it was, already reserved for me. I didn’t feel worthy, but there I was, taking my place at a table prepared for me. That made me think about another table over 2000 years ago, perhaps the most significant table in all of history…
Who got a seat at that table? Doubters, deniers, and even betrayers, Jesus included them all at the table of the Passover. He welcomed them despite what they had done and what He knew they would do. Thomas later doubted Him. Peter scoffed at Jesus’ prediction of his denial of Him, and deny Jesus he did only a few short hours after that last supper. When Peter’s eyes met those of Jesus, he was devastated at his failure. How could he be worthy of the bread Jesus had offered, but it was provided nonetheless. And Judas? Really? How did he merit a seat at the table?? He didn’t, but he was given one anyway. Jesus passed the bread of His body and the cup of His blood to a traitor whose heart was filled with darkness. He offered love and forgiveness down to the last second.
And what about me? I am a doubter, a denier, AND a betrayer. How is it that I am allowed at the table? I can’t buy a seat with my righteousness. Apart from Christ, I have none. I’m allowed at the table for one reason only: Jesus bought my seat. He paid for it in blood and reserved my place. He has reserved one for you too. There is a card with your name on it and a gift waiting for you. Are you coming?
It’s a table where paupers become princes, losers become leaders, failures are forgiven, and the wretched are redeemed. So don’t worry about what to wear or what to bring; just do whatever it takes to get to the table. And come hungry! There is nothing more satisfying than the table He has prepared for you.