We were given a powerful image this past Sunday of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. This act of humility and authentic leadership is something truly memorable about Jesus. It says a lot about Him that this is what He chose to do in His final days leading up to the cross.
On Sunday, Pastor Jason shared this analogy of our Lord setting the table for us. I really loved that visual, and I thought about it all week. There is something truly intimate about someone setting a table for you. You are their guest, and they are thoughtful in the way they pick out the linens, the glasses, and the silverware. For extra special guests, even the special china debuts from the cabinet.
Candles are lit, and this warmth is given to every detail as if to say, “I’ve been waiting for you. Come, have a seat.”
The Bible often uses this visual of eating together to represent something holy. A sacred time where beauty is beheld in the fellowship of one another.
I thought about the many times God has “set the table” in my life. One time in particular was when I was facing a myriad of health issues. I was having a hard time getting out of bed every day, and I had so many symptoms happening that really scared me to my core.
During all of this, I remember reading this precious verse in Psalm 23:5 (NKJV):
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
As I struggled through all these health issues, we had simultaneously decided to put in an offer on a new home. Our family was growing and getting bigger, and we had prayed about wanting something close by.
This home we found felt like a “dream home” to me, I couldn’t believe God had provided it…and He put in details like a window that overlooked the backyard so I could watch the kids play while I made dinner — something I prayed about years before.
It had been on the market for months, yet there were miraculously no offers. It was in a neighborhood where we could walk to school and enjoy our favorite park. God was setting the table in such a way that could only reflect His impeccable attention to detail.
Has He ever done that in your life?
Maybe things have felt out of control, and circumstances haven’t gone the way you planned…but you still see this rare beauty in it that reflects the hand of God? That’s the kind of table setting that was happening here.
God was literally preparing a table for me in the presence of my enemy, who was trying to steal every ounce of joy I had left. But God was there, and His presence made the meal so very sweet.
I also loved the point on Sunday about listening to God’s timing, and being ready for that moment where God sets the table in our lives. Maybe He has brought all the intricate pieces together, but you don’t feel ready to step out in faith. That’s OK, all you have to do is sit down. Take the next right step. He will help you along the way.
Like we were reminded this weekend — we don’t need to have all the understanding to still walk in faith.
It takes faith just to pull up a seat at the table. We don’t know what God has next. And often times, walking in our calling will mean hardship and loss, but it also means that we will participate in the beauty-filled plan of God’s goodness. It means that each piece He has thoughtfully laid out for us will have a purpose and use. It means that joy and sorrow can coexist at one time, but the joy runs deep because it is eternal.
I don’t know what tables God has set in your life. I don’t know, right now, what table He is preparing for you at this very moment.
But I do know that if you decide to sit down with Him, something beautiful awaits. I know that if you sit down, you will never regret it. And I know that there will be refreshing there. Because what happens when you sit down for a really good meal? You are refreshed, right? You see and taste and feel the goodness of God.
So let’s take a seat, dear friend…for the Lord has prepared the table.
On Sunday, Pastor Jason shared this analogy of our Lord setting the table for us. I really loved that visual, and I thought about it all week. There is something truly intimate about someone setting a table for you. You are their guest, and they are thoughtful in the way they pick out the linens, the glasses, and the silverware. For extra special guests, even the special china debuts from the cabinet.
Candles are lit, and this warmth is given to every detail as if to say, “I’ve been waiting for you. Come, have a seat.”
The Bible often uses this visual of eating together to represent something holy. A sacred time where beauty is beheld in the fellowship of one another.
I thought about the many times God has “set the table” in my life. One time in particular was when I was facing a myriad of health issues. I was having a hard time getting out of bed every day, and I had so many symptoms happening that really scared me to my core.
During all of this, I remember reading this precious verse in Psalm 23:5 (NKJV):
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
As I struggled through all these health issues, we had simultaneously decided to put in an offer on a new home. Our family was growing and getting bigger, and we had prayed about wanting something close by.
This home we found felt like a “dream home” to me, I couldn’t believe God had provided it…and He put in details like a window that overlooked the backyard so I could watch the kids play while I made dinner — something I prayed about years before.
It had been on the market for months, yet there were miraculously no offers. It was in a neighborhood where we could walk to school and enjoy our favorite park. God was setting the table in such a way that could only reflect His impeccable attention to detail.
Has He ever done that in your life?
Maybe things have felt out of control, and circumstances haven’t gone the way you planned…but you still see this rare beauty in it that reflects the hand of God? That’s the kind of table setting that was happening here.
God was literally preparing a table for me in the presence of my enemy, who was trying to steal every ounce of joy I had left. But God was there, and His presence made the meal so very sweet.
I also loved the point on Sunday about listening to God’s timing, and being ready for that moment where God sets the table in our lives. Maybe He has brought all the intricate pieces together, but you don’t feel ready to step out in faith. That’s OK, all you have to do is sit down. Take the next right step. He will help you along the way.
Like we were reminded this weekend — we don’t need to have all the understanding to still walk in faith.
It takes faith just to pull up a seat at the table. We don’t know what God has next. And often times, walking in our calling will mean hardship and loss, but it also means that we will participate in the beauty-filled plan of God’s goodness. It means that each piece He has thoughtfully laid out for us will have a purpose and use. It means that joy and sorrow can coexist at one time, but the joy runs deep because it is eternal.
I don’t know what tables God has set in your life. I don’t know, right now, what table He is preparing for you at this very moment.
But I do know that if you decide to sit down with Him, something beautiful awaits. I know that if you sit down, you will never regret it. And I know that there will be refreshing there. Because what happens when you sit down for a really good meal? You are refreshed, right? You see and taste and feel the goodness of God.
So let’s take a seat, dear friend…for the Lord has prepared the table.
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.