It was a Sunday much like other Sundays with family gathered around the dining room table for dinner. As the platters were being passed, I asked him, “What did you have for lunch?”
He laughingly replied, “I didn’t have lunch. See? When you don’t feed me, I don’t eat!”
We all teased about what we had and had not eaten that day. But then later on, I got to thinking about it all.
I love a good salad. Many times when I go out to eat, a salad is my preference. There is nothing that says “Refreshing” or “Satisfying” like a salad. Picking around can uncover a treasure of ingredients and flavors and … enjoyment.
My conclusion has long been – a salad tastes best when prepared by someone else.
Or maybe, just maybe, any food tastes better and is more satisfying when prepared by someone other than ourselves.
The lyrics come back to mind that had been playing while I was cooking …
In a world so unstable
You keep setting a table here
Inviting me to rest in Your grace
To drink of all of Your goodness.(from If You Never, sung by Christy Nockels)
Our God keeps on setting a table for us, inviting us to come and sit with Him. He continually puts out the best, the choicest of foods so that our souls are satisfied, finding our satisfaction in Him alone.
“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink – even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk – it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good, you will enjoy the finest food.” (Isaiah 55:1-2, NLT)
The invitation is extended to everyone – “come”, “buy”, “eat”:
- God offers all that brings satisfaction, overwhelming satisfaction.
- God brings an abundance to life.
- God freely offers it all to all of us. Money is not required and the offer is available to everyone.
God promises that our souls will delight in His provisions. The food which He serves us is better than anything we could provide for ourselves. It is food, spiritual food, that will transform our souls and our lives.
This daily call to His Table is a reminder that one day, He will call us to feast at the Table prepared for all the Church …
“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.”
(Revelation 19:9, NLT)
Today I am joining … Three Word Wednesday and Coffee For Your Heart and Tell His Story .
My mind has been on tables a lot lately — lots of company and lots of eating and laughing around a table and this is delightful.
It’s also a lot of work.
I’m going to think today on your words about salads made by other hands and remember that God has set a table before me and the food He offers to my hungry soul comes ready-made and perfectly measured to suit my daily need.
Thanks so much, Joanne.
I love gathering around a table – with good food, good friends, family and lots of conversation – one of favorite things to do. I raised my kids to gather around a table at supper time so we could talk about our day. So many families don’t do that anymore – it is a dying habit – it’s time to REVIVE IT!!! I’d like you and hubs to come to our table some day. xo
Love that image of feasting with Jesus. He is truly the only thing that satisfies! Thank you for the reminder to not bypass the beautiful banquet He provides.
I agree about salads Being great if others prepare it. But i do enjoy my salads if shared with other women. I splurge and make them extra bright and flavorful. Lately I’ve been drinking my salads in green smoothies. I never thought I’d like it. But I do. The imagery about coming to the table is beautiful. What an expansive table it will be 🙂
Visiting from Coffee for your Heart. I enjoyed your post a lot. I love that the Lord sets a table for us and it is at His table alone we can find true satisfaction. He waits for us to come. What a loving Heavenly Father we have! Thank you for this beautiful invitation to come to Him and receive.