Matthew 22:2-3 “The Kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come.”
Laughter soared as high as the flames now engulfing my patio flowers. What seemed like a good idea to further the flames on the pitiful fire, now brought life from all surrounding sources. Given it was the end of summer and all my hard work was ready to be destroyed by the bitter cold, I didn’t mind. The company it kept and the laughter it brought were more than worth it.
The next gathering around my table held fewer flames and even less laughter. This table bore the heavy burdens many carried. Planning reached far beyond the food and cleanliness of my home. This table bore sorrows, mostly big, many small, requiring the absolute presence of the Lord. Preparation involved prayer, anointing, and forgiveness. As the host, I fret about all the ways I could have carried more comfort than my candles and smiles could. As I dwell on these things, God reminds me that the table was my ministry, their hearts are His.
Throughout scripture, we are directed to the table, a place of fellowship, provision, and community. Psalm 23:5, “God prepares a table in the presence of my enemies.” He broke bread with betrayers and invited outcasts, so that they would know grace and love.
Esther prepared two banquets for King Xerxes and her enemy, Haman. Preparation for these banquets required precision to every detail, as the King would be there. More importantly, it intensified the necessity for prayer and God’s favor, as well as faithfulness and courage in the face of the enemy.
The most challenging table to prepare is for your enemies. Anxiety of anticipation grew in my chest in preparation to serve those who had caused me so much pain. Insults, accusations, and unfair treatment had been their way of life toward me. Meanwhile, God was preparing my heart to serve them at His table. A table of love, humility, and forgiveness. Without having to express my hesitancy to God, He already knew my fears, which is why He reminds us not to withhold good from others when it is within our power to do so. To my surprise, this table became one of my most memorable experiences, as it paved the way for forgiveness and healing. Jesus demonstrated this by washing the disciples’ feet during the last supper, and shares the story of the sinful woman who washed Jesus’s feet with her tears during another gathering. He ushers in His healing power when we prepare a place for our enemies.
The ultimate table is reflected in the wedding feast. Matthew 22: 4, “Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘tell those who are invited, ‘see, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.’ But they paid no attention and went off. A reminder invitation was sent when the feast was ready, and even still, no one paid attention.” Finally, the King called in the outcasts, of whom many came. God uses the story of the wedding feast to ready the believers for His invitation to life with Him.
Your life is your table, the source of your ministry. You have the innate ability to minister to those living life alongside you. The setting, appearance, atmosphere, and food all have a special part to play, but above all is the ministry God is doing in the hearts and lives of those sitting at your table. It is a place where your guests can feel loved, regardless of who they are or what they have done. An invitation speaks of importance. You were intentionally thought of and planned for at this table, even in the last-minute invite. Jesus wants all.
You don’t have a table or a large space? Jesus didn’t either when he took five loaves and two fish and fed five thousand people on the mountain top. Your ministry isn’t just your table or space; it’s providing a place for others to receive the bread of life, Jesus Christ.
“Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.” Mathew 22:9. You are blessed when you use your table to minister.
~Walking Restored~ 