A BANQUET FROM HEAVEN
This is adapted from an article I wrote for this month's edition of The Christian Journal. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
“Come to dinner!” my mother yelled. Stepping into the dining room, my senses were overwhelmed with the aroma of baked turkey. There before our watering mouths spread her Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce and freshly-baked yeast rolls. A feast to delight the taste buds!
In Revelation 3:20, Jesus invites us to dine with Him in a spiritual feast. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me". Jesus knocks at the door of every person’s heart, calling us to open our lives up to Him and experience the spiritual banquet God has prepared for us. But opening the door of my heart isn't always easy. It requires surrendering my pride and acknowledging I need a Savior. I give up doing life my way. But the rewards we receive are so much greater than any sacrifices we make, that they’re not even worth comparing.
Picture a huge banquet table spread with our favorite foods, representing the spiritual blessings God offers. Jesus invites us to accept His invitation and dine with Him. Now imagine a dumpster containing stale food, characterizing the short-term pleasures this world offers: power, prestige, popularity, etc. We all face this choice: which “meal” will we consume?
Why on earth would we choose to dine on the spoiled food of this world, when we have a spiritual feast available? Yet many choose spiritual "dumpster-diving" because there are fewer sacrifices, short-term. But long-term, the "food" of this world turns moldy and stale, ultimately leading to destruction. But saying “yes” to Jesus, opens our lives to what our hearts truly long for: love, freedom and hope. This isn’t a one-and-done event. We continue to make this choice each day of our lives.
As much as I delighted in my mother’s Thanksgiving meal, God’s “spread” is much more satisfying. He invites us to devour the “dishes” of eternal life, peace of mind, and purpose in life, as well as a host of other delicacies. All He asks is that we open the door of our heart and trust in Him. And unlike my mother's Thanksgiving meal, Christ's feast continues to satisfy us for eternity.
What "food" that this world offers most appeals to my flesh?
What steps can I take to continually pursue the banquet that Jesus offers in my heart?
Lord Jesus, thank you for the spiritual banquet you have provided for me. I open the door of my heart to you and say 'yes' to your invitation."