Last night we sat around the supper table for a long time.
Over pots of cheese and chocolate fondue we recounted happenings of the day and
raised hopes for tomorrow. We relived
old memories and made new ones. We
discussed important ideas and chatted about trivial topics. Homework was put on hold, lesson planning was
delayed, and the ringing phone was ignored while we lived, laughed, and loved—a
family at home having a good time together.
The scene in our dining room was surely divine because good
times around a table are a reflection of the heart of God—intimate, engaging, passionate,
uplifting, and fulfilling. During His
last Passover meal, when Jesus explained the upcoming events to the eleven
disciples left in the upper room, He used the idea of being at home
together. “My Father’s house has many
rooms. I’m leaving to go get yours
ready, but I’ll be back and will take you to be with me there”(Jn 14:2-3). To calm their fears of being alone in the
between, Jesus promised His presence would move right in. “The Father and I will come to you and make our home with you”(Jn
14:23). What could be better than
God making our heart His home and claiming us as His own? Nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
As Good Friday draws near and we consider Christ’s ultimate sacrifice,
we need to make sure we continually realize and constantly remember that Jesus
didn’t die so we could have religion or rituals. He died so we could be in relationship. The pain of Good Friday and the power of
Super Sunday had one purpose—“To redeem us
from our wickedness and purify for himself a people that are his very own”(Titus
2:14). The blood streaming from Jesus’ side
brought us together. He saved us from a
hopeless, horrid eternity so we could live, laugh, and love—in short, so we
could glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.
Put what the world considers pressing on hold. Delay what culture declares urgent. Let the calls for self-sufficiency go
unanswered. The God of the universe has made
your reservation and pulled out your chair.
Christ’s blood brought you to His family table.
Sit down and enjoy your supper.
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