There is Room at the Table

I was preparing a meal for our Supper Club this week and the morning of the dinner received a cancellation for a very good reason. No problem. But I wanted to fill those two spots so I made a call or two and found replacements. But later in the day, I got a call and that couple had to cancel also, with only two hours till time to eat, (again with a very good reason). So I made a few more calls knowing that people have plans for a Friday evening and people are busy. But after maybe four calls, I found another perfect couple that would compliment our dinner party. I had a full table set and didn't want to take off any place settings. Plus the menu was made and the food preparation was in progress.

This made me think of the verse in a parable told by Jesus found in Luke 14:2 where it says, “go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.” This was said to the servants after the original guest list was exhausted with people making excuses for not coming. And they seemed like lame excuses because each one could have been attended to after taking time out for a meal. Those excuses were: a man had bought a field and needed to tend to it; another had bought five yoke of oxen and needed to try them out, and another man had married a wife! Surely he could have brought his wife? Right? All excuses.

Then the guest list was expanded to include the poor, crippled, blind and lame and still there was room for more to come to the feast. The invitation now was to all nationalities and ethnic groups. No one was left out. There is a picture made very popular because it appeared on the cover of Decision magazine many years ago. It shows a table set with candlesticks on a gold cloth, and fine china with a gold design. A full set of gold utensils graced each place setting and was complimented with gold rimmed glassware. But the table never ends; it goes on and on. It depicts the vastness of the family of God and the number of souls who will be in heaven some day.

And so it is with the offer of salvation. It is for all! Titus 2:11 says “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.” II Peter 3:9 tells us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Acts 2:21 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” God is earnest in wanting all to come to repentance.

Have you repented of your sins? Have you accepted the gift of salvation that Christ died to secure for you? If so, then Praise the Lord! If not, what is your excuse? II Corinthians 6:2, “For he says, In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.”

For those of us who have already “tasted and seen that the Lord is good”, we are to be out in the world telling people about Jesus and His love. Psalm 34:8 – “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” We are to be compelling lost souls to leave their lives of sin and turn to a loving, forgiving Savior who died to set them free.

Revelation 19:9 tells us, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Biblical scholars believe this will take place after the Rapture of the Church, when Christ comes to take His Bride to the Father's house. All those who have called on the name of the Lord and have become followers of Jesus, cleansed by His blood and walking in His light, will be invited to this banquet table. Are you ready? There is Room at the Table. Come now.