The Table

Intro

I am way more experienced and comfortable at the fast food line and eating in the car than a fancy dinner.

I actually pride myself in being able to remember everyones meals at the drive through without it being written down.

Almost a rite of passage of my manhood to my wife, no I’ve got it...

But put me in a fancy room with multiple utensils, I don’t know what to do....

I was at a really nice wedding and in front of me were multiple dishes, forks, spoons, knives. Sometimes i’m good at hiding my thoughts and emotions on my face but,I must’ve looked lost. The person beside me looks, and subtly tells me what to do...

But I think we can all relate to this.

The distracted, disconnected and hyper paced world we live in leaves little room for a table.

It usually catches clutter, becomes a craft area, or just a show piece.

Or if we do sit, it’s long enough to scarf the food while looking at a device then on to something else...

But the table was a special and even sacred place.

A place where food was almost a by-product.

It was a place to stop, slow down, and see one another.

A place to connect.

THE TABLE IS A PLACE OF CONNECTION.

The table is a theme that is weaved all throughout the bible.

Genesis 18 Abraham ate with God.

Wait here while I make you a meal. (not a quick process)

In the tabernacle. this was the place of worship to God.

There were different areas and different pieces of furniture that all had a purpose in approaching and worship in God.

Table of Presence (Showbread)

12 Loaves of bread constantly. Every sabbath new fresh bread was placed

Literally the bread of face. (a place to see God’s face)

In ancient israel, the table was an important place.

Jesus ministry was characterized by different tables.

Jesus first miracle was at a wedding feast, table.

He was accused of being a glutton, because he could often be found at a table with people.

He made a table with outcasts. (tax collectors, Zacheus, sinners)

His last big act on earth with his disciples was to come around a table.

Why is all of this even important??

God’s design for the table reveals God’s desire for his people.

Where any other kings, leaders and religions wanted subjection, forced loyalty, domineering devotion.

Our God desires fellowship and friendship.

THE TABLE IS ABOUT RELATIONSHIP

God doesn’t just desire our busy religious activity. our perfect attendance report card. our checking the boxes of doing the right things.

It’s all about a genuine, real, authentic relationship.

Unfortunately too many of us have replaced tables with tablet.

tables with tasks.

tables with walls.

The the table is sacred and needs to be found again. A real space to have authentic relationships.

1. Take your place at his table.

You are invited to his table!

The table demonstrates the kind of relationship that he desires with us!

IT’S INTIMATE

Intimate can seem like a weird reserved word for “special” moments.

It just simply means to know and be known.

Matthew 9:10a (ESV)

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house

John 13:23 (ESV)

One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side,

Not a normal drive through meal.

God wants the type of relationship He is not just known about, but known.

he can be known.

And where he knows you.

Friendship.

IT’S WELCOMING

It’s available for you, and you and you and you.

Do you remember family reunions and the kids table...

Matthew 9:10 (ESV)

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.

Galatians 3:28 (NIV)

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

All are made equal at the table with Jesus.

The too far gone, the too bad, the too

rich, poor, tall, short.

All find a place in fellowship with God.

None exempt.

He didn’t just come for the elite or put together.

Not special separate table for you.

IT’S RESTORING

Let’s be honest, not all relationships are created equal.

Some are… draining.

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (ESV)

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

the table reminds us all Jesus did that in him, through what he did on the cross,

We are redeemed, set free, filled, healed, forgiven, restored, put back together.

We don’t earn the seat, jesus did everything.

the table covers our brokenness and shame and pain.

That’s the kind of relationship he offers, one that continually fills as we continually (as often) go back to him!

IT’S SAFETY

Psalm 23:5 (ESV)

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

In him, at his table, you can eat in safety in the presence of the greatest enemies.

A relationship with him is peace, protection and provision.

He is our protecter, peace giver, provider.

When I don’t know what to do, I can sit and find peace and provision.

Revelation 3:20

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

We are called to our place at the table!

Knock Knock, I HAVE A TABLE READY!!!

Move beyond religious pretense and just find a real relationship with God.

He desires that with you!

2.Make a place at the table.

It’s easy to know about people and never really know them.

Your life is reflective of the closest relationships you have.

Jesus was great at making tables, we have to be as well!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-11

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

1 John 4:7-8

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Galatians 6:2

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Who is at your table?

We have to be intentional at invited people to the table.

To really have real relationships to go beyond hi how are you.

they need you, you need them.

Right relationships help lift burdens, restore, heal, encourage.

Create tables with those closest to you.

Sometimes those closest with us actually know us the least.

Create tables in the church.

The family of God has to be our greatest relationship anchors in life.

Who are you connected with?

Everyones busy, but we can’t be too busy for relationships that will help set the course of your life.

Get in a life group today.

Create tables with people not like you.

too often the only tables we create with others include people that look, act and think just like us.

Protect the places at the table.

Not everyone can have a place at your table.

Proverbs 13:20

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

CONCLUSION

the table is a sacred place.

A place of connection, of relationship.

Real relationship with God and with others is more crucial to your soul than you think.

Will you come to his table and be fulfilled, healed, restored, known and loved?

Will you invite others to the table?