There Is Always A Place At The Table

This thought has been on my heart all day, and is 'provoked' by the lyrics of a wonderful song, written by Bill & Gloria Gaither. You will find that this piece is not for everyone, for it is carefully aimed and directed…

To the soldier who is weary of the journey and may have stepped away, or is considering stepping away from the House of Refuge. To the child of God who may have become swallowed up with the trick bag of the enemy and feels their mistake means there is no place for them now. To the oppressed and depressed who are convinced they just need time alone…“I’m all right…I just need some space.” To the hurting…those who perhaps were made to feel they were pushed aside and forgotten.

If the words above fit your situation, I have a word for YOU…

There is always a place at the table. Regardless of what has happened or how bad things may seem, we want you here. You are needed here. You are important to us. You are missed at the table of the Lord. There has always been a place for you here!

The Church of the Living God is a family. Just as we miss a family member who is not seated with us at supper time, the Family of God misses your presence…your voice…your testimony …we miss YOU!

Most importantly, the Lord misses you. He is seated at the head of the table, looking for you. He knows where you are, but is yet looking for you to come through the door, pull out your chair, be seated, place the napkin in your lap, and eat at His table. Though He sees your pain, weariness, and mistake, in the midst of all that may be wrong today, He sends an invitation, one which reads the same as all the rest, Come home!

The words that were penned by the poet are so true…a person can get “used to living on the outside looking in.” I am a witness, for I have been broken. I have the unfortunate testimony of a backslider, and know how hard it seems to find a way home. Our own minds convince us that there are so many at the table who have never left…why would the Host save a seat for me? But today I promise you, your place has NEVER been filled by another.

There has always been a place at the table set just for you...

Can you picture it? The golden charger is in place under the finest china, the silver place settings and crystal are sparkling. The place card is set, with your name carefully handwritten by the Lord. The centerpiece is the finest of floral arrangements placed by the Rose of Sharon, the table lit with the Glory of God. The feast is prepared and lovingly served by the Bread of Life...and to think, He did it all for YOU!

Be encouraged today. The Host didn’t remove your name from the guest list because you got up from the table, for in the words of the poet, Your place is set each time the family gathers. It will never be the same till you are home!

You are invited to come back home and dine with the family…won't you come?