Come to the table

          Surely we’ve all heard the story about three children at their school’s show-and-tell, designed to convey a summary of their faith.  One child (Jewish) brought “the star of David”;  a second child (Catholic) brought “a crucifix”;  and the third child (the church of Christ) brought “a covered-dish”.  We all chuckle at this anecdote, but it actually has some Biblical foundation.  In his book, Come To The Table. John Mark Hicks notes how often Jesus was involved in table fellowship - - so much so that He was even accused (falsely so) of being a “glutton” (Lk.7:34 - - - cf. Lk.5:27-32;  7:36-50;  9:10-17;  10:38-42;  11:37-54;  14:1-24;  19:1-10;  22:7-38;  24:13-35;  and 24:36-53). 

It is safe to conclude that Jesus saw the value of dining with others.  Could it be that it was this table fellowship that served to open up doors of conversation about God’s kingdom and to build relationships that would strengthen His followers in their journey as disciples.

          Our church family is not at all reticent in practicing this virtue:  first-Sunday covered-dish luncheons, prime-timer luncheons, mid-week simple suppers, summertime all-church picnics, etc..  So with the arrival of the summer of 2015, please don’t think our picnics any less important or spiritual than our other gatherings.  Let’s come to the table and “eat, drink and be merry” for we are the family of God.  Let us, like Jesus, be eager to dine with one another and converse across the table, for HEREIN LIES A KEY to entering into the lives of one another and of coming to know and love one another more deeply.  

                                                                                                                                         Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ