When dinner is ready, dinner is ready. So why do I find myself tinkering around for just a few more minutes? I know that when I’m not there, I’m disrespecting family members who are gathered and waiting. I’m non-verbally saying that connecting with you right now isn’t most important; this other thing is. And to the cook I’m implying that my work is greater than your work, and most times it’s not. I know all that, but still I tinker.
Gathering at the table is an important concept in the Scriptures. “You set a table before me in the presence of my enemies” – Psalm 23:5. Imagine making God wait while we tinker around with life’s distractions. Sadly, we don’t have to imagine it, too often we do just it. Jesus tells a story in Luke 14:15-27, the table is set, and a great banquet is ready, but the invited guests have a host of excuses about regular life things and they don’t show up. So, the host finds guests who want to be there.
If you’ve ever invited people to join you for something, you know the feeling of wanting a good turnout. Hoping people will value what you create and offer, and in turn – value you. Is that innate desire there because we are made in God’s image and we get that from Him?
Picture God inviting us to indulge in the His goodness and the perspective of His truth. He cooked it up and arranged a table beautifully right in front of us. The food is there, it smells amazing, and it’s ready. It’s a main dish of delicious knowledge and satisfying peace, along with platefuls of wisdom for every situation smothered in love. “Join me and eat up. You need this! You need Me,” He insists.
But do we? The Christians from the church in Laodicea thought their lives were fine but Jesus didn’t see it that way.
17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked…
… 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. (Rev 3:14-22)
He is waiting for us, don’t leave Him hanging.