Come to the Table

“Talk story” is a phrase we learned when we lived in Hawaii; it refers to having a casual conversation with someone. You know – hanging out, shooting the breeze and just telling stories. Some of our best memories were “talking story” in the garages of many of our amazing neighbors and friends, while eating the local Hawaiian foods. All of us came from different backgrounds to gather at the table and our relationships were deepened and more connected through these times of fellowship.

The table is a symbol of God’s presence. Jesus spent a lot of time engaging people through table fellowship. Several times in the gospels we read that Jesus was either at meal, on his way to a meal, or leaving a meal. He also mentioned meals in many of his teachings. Have you ever made peace with someone at a table? Have you ever been given biblical guidance at a table or laughed or cried with others? In the study “Gospel on the Ground,” Kristi McLelland states, “Every time we come together, we are practicing for the wedding supper of the Lamb.” While we share and celebrate we are experiencing the kingdom of God and through the togetherness of the family of God.

God wants us to experience community where we care, love and are committed to each other. As we begin another New Year, let us be intentional about taking time for table fellowship with others while reflecting on and celebrating with thankful hearts what God has done in the past, and sharing our hopes and dreams for the future.

Lord, life is going by so fast. I praise you for your presence and thank you for guiding me to table fellowship with others so that I can experience more of you. In your presence is fullness of joy and pleasure forevermore (Psalm 16:11), and you set a table for me filled with love, peace and joy. Help me to be generous and to take action to invite others to table fellowship in this New Year. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Throughout the day listen to “Come to the Table”

by the fantastic Christian music group Sidewalk Prophets