All Are Welcome

We are just days away from Thanksgiving, which I guess officially begins the holiday season. Though it seems every year, they “begin” the holiday season sooner.

When I was little, I loved the holiday season, and much of my excitement and anticipation was the expectation of the gifts I would receive. However, I can say that some of my excitement and anticipation, perhaps the greatest part, was that I was going to sit at “the table” with many of my cousins, aunts, and uncles that I didn’t get to see every day.

I remember arriving at my paternal grandparent’s house, knowing my grandmother would have ham and turkey, homemade noodles (I can still taste them), mashed potatoes, home-grown green beans, and home-grown freezer corn, just to name a few. Likewise, I can remember being with my maternal grandparents, and us having stuffing that was exceptional. To this day, I have never tasted stuffing like my grandmother’s recipe. By the way, at both homes, we had a spread of desserts that I am sure will be served at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

One thing I knew as a child, was that whoever was at my family gatherings, whether it be Christmas or Thanksgiving, all were welcome at the “the table”. Whether you were a blood relative or not, you would not be denied the opportunity to be a part of our family. I am so grateful for this heritage that was passed on to me.

Recently, I heard a song that resonated with my heart:(https://genius.com/Jonathan-traylor-the-table-lyrics). The song is called The Table, and as I listened, I was so intrigued, I had to look up the lyrics. The first verse says:

There is a table
Filled with best food
Can you hear The Father calling?
There’s a seat just for you
And at this table, all is forgiven
Trade in your chains of bondage
For crowns of freedom

The chorus says,
All are welcome at the table
There is a place just for you
No condemnation at the table
There is a place just for you

There is a story in Second Samuel ch. 9 of David seeking someone who was still left of the house of Saul, who he could show kindness for the sake of Jonathan.

Saul had been the King before David, and Saul was very jealous of David. One time he had even tried to kill him. Saul had a son, Jonathan, whom David had loved as a brother; they had a unique friendship. You can read more about that in previous chapters.

However, in this passage in 2 Samuel ch. 9, we find David searching for someone from the house of Saul to bless, and Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, was still alive. It’s a long story, but the bottom line is David found Mephibosheth and invited him to be seated at his table. Mephibosheth was lame in both feet and felt unworthy to be seated at the king’s table. However, King David assured him he was not only worthy, but wanted to be seated at his table.

It is the same with our Heavenly Father. He invites all of us to be seated at His table daily. No matter our past, when we are seated at His table, there is no shame, defeat, no orphans, no condemnation. All those things of the past that defined you are no more. Youa re welcome to have a seat the the King’s table in freedom, and allow HIm to begin to define you and fill you full of His Spirit daily. What a privilege!

As we approach this holiday season, can we just be challenged to include others and share the same love we have been given through Jesus? In addition, can we lift our heads high, shoulders back, and remember Whose we are…Who has invited us to the greatest table ever set? I encourage you to walk in the freedom and joy that Jesus provides for us, and wants us to walk in daily.

May you be filled with His love this holiday season. May it be contagious to all with whom you connect.

Blessings,

Regenia