10. A Seat At The Table

Mar 18, 2024

One of the hardest places to be angry with a person is at the supper table. It's nearly impossible to share a meal with someone with whom you are at odds with. Either you won't enjoy the food you are eating or you will be forced to leave the table and eat somewhere else. The flip side of this is when you are in a healthy relationship with another, sharing a meal is the best place to be; the conversation flows freely, the laughter is effortless and even the food tastes better! Here's the truth: To share a meal with someone you are at odds with requires reconciliation.

For the Christian, we often describe our connection with God as a relationship. When we pledge our allegiance to God through baptism, we enter into a covenant relationship. There are moments when the relationship is amazing and transformative. Unfortunately there are times when the relationship is at odds and not because of God, but because of mine and your rebellious nature.

Here's the problem, when we are at odds with God what are we to do? The guilt can be overwhelming, the shame paralyzing and the embarrassment distancing. We wonder if God will take us back? We blame ourselves for repeating the same offense again and again. We become convinced that this time, God's patience with us has finally run out.

Here's what you need to know: Jesus knew this would happen. He knew that we would break our covenant relationship with him, and that we would need a way to reconcile the relationship. Ironically, he invites us to a meal table, a spiritual meal table designed specifically to bring about restoration and reconciliation. We call that meal, The Lord's Supper.

"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” ~ Mark 14:22-25

Unfortunately, for many Christians, The Lord's Supper (Communion) has simply become a memorial service, much like how we celebrate Memorial Day or Independence Day. The reality is that Jesus instituted this meal to be so much more then remembering. It's about participating in the work of the cross, it's about confessing our sin, and allowing Jesus to restore our relationship. Simply put, The Lord's Supper is multifaceted in what it does in our lives and in our church family. 

To learn more about how The Lord's Supper is so transformative in our lives as disciples of Jesus, make sure and listen to part ten of Come, Follow, Me...where you will be invited to have a seat at the table. Maybe it's been a while for you. Maybe you're feeling disconnected from God. The best place to start is to accept Jesus' invitation and take a seat at the table.