The Great Banquet
Yesterday was a time of food and family. The College Church gathered around tables to worship, sing, fellowship and pray.I delivered a short message of hope and expectation. We looked at the seven promises made to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3. It was a rush to read about these things we have to look forward to...eating from the tree of life...a white stone with a new name...sitting with Jesus on his throne...sharing God's manna feast together.
As I read, I looked out on my family, seated around tables together, and I was struck (as I am from time to time) by a vision of heaven. When we get there, you just know that we're going to feast. We're going to be together. And it's going to be good.
Our elders shared some of their personal struggles with us and gave us insight into who they are and what they do. They were open and vulnerable. They reminded us that they are just men, that they suffer and rejoice just as the rest of us do.
And then we all ate tri tip and pilaf (that's "beef and rice" to those of you not from this neck) and talked and shared and laughed together. The hope going into the day was that it would be memorable, something to look back on with fondness. That was certainly achieved.
posted by Thurman8er @ 7:16 AM
5 Comments:
I had a moment in the first song when I really looked out and saw our family around tables. So sweet. Had to quit singing for just a quick second.
Glad you were there. SOunds like great fun. DO enjoy it, every Sunday
Sounds like a great experience. Those times when love and warmth flow that way are so precious. I remember attending a funeral that affected me that way a few years ago. At one point, I looked around and thought, "I know and love every single person here. This is what Heaven will be like."
Church and tri-tip! Almost as good as church and bbq. We too are trying to institute the table (without the table) during communion. There is something to say for doing it the "old way" logistically speaking. Nevertheless it is good to look at folks, smile if so moved, and share the body and the blood of Christ with each other.
Yes, that was a great Sunday!
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