The Banquet Table

Image by betsythedevine via Flickr

Can you imagine being invited to attend the finest banquet ever to be held? Your neatly engraved invitation has been hand delivered, definitely not mailed. Your transportation and clothing have already been provided by the Master of the home. You have formally accepted the invitation and are so excited to be attending this grand event.

Your mind begins to wander as your imagination takes over and your daydreams being to paint a vivid picture. You wonder what your host will look like; what type of food will be served; who else will be in attendance.

When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God." Luke 14:14

Your tummy is grumbling as your eyes survey the great banquet table that stretches as far as the eye can see. The first thing you notices is a bowl filled with the most luscious of fruit. These fruit are like nothing you have ever seen before. The steward notices the inquisitive look on your face and offers the names of each fruit.

The red ones are love which overflows the bowl itself and pours out onto the table and the fine white linens. There is no way it can be contained. The purple fruit are called joy and cause you to feel like shouting and singing with every single bite. The placid blue fruit brings such peace to your soul as you juice rolls down your chin. The rest of the fruit include patience and kindness; goodness, faithfulness and self control. Each one was beckoning me to taste for myself and see how good they truly were.

Beyond the fruit was a platter of meat. This meat was tender and juicy. I took a knife and fork and cut a small bite just to take a quick sample. I placed it in my mouth and began to chew. The more that I chewed it, it's as if the flavor became more and more intense. This meat was called "the Word of God". Somehow I sensed that no matter how much I chewed this delicate meat, I would never lose my desire to savor just one more bite.

In the center of the table was a basket of bread. Oh how I love bread. It was labeled, "the Bread of Life". All those who eat of this bread shall never die, but have eternal life. Just one bite of this bread is all that you will ever need.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Jesus has prepared a banquet table and has invited each of us to come and dine with Him. You see, He has already extended an invitation. Look at the palm of His hands. They were engraved at the cross of Calvary where Jesus died, just for you. He is waiting for your response. Will you:

• Admit - Admit to God that you are a sinner. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
• Believe - Believe that Jesus is God’s Son and accept God’s gift of forgiveness from sin. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
• Confess - Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Romans 10:9-10,13 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved...for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Is it time for you to become a Christian? The banquet table is ready.

Dear God,
I know I have sinned and that my sin separated me from you. I am sorry for my sin. I believe Jesus died on the cross for me so my sin can be forgiven. I believe Jesus rose from the dead and is alive. God, please forgive me. I ask Jesus to come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. I will obey you and live for you the rest of my life. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus name ~ Amen

Have you accepted your invitation? I'd love to hear all about it.