Nov 16th, 2021: Table Fellowship
My brothers and sisters do like good food when we come together. This past weekend we had three different meals from three different cuisines: Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Greek. My youngest sister was in charge of these gatherings. It had been a long time since we were able to be together last.
Sharing a meal always is an affirmation that we belong to one another. It is about being one, being there for each other, and being part of something bigger than we are. It is the place of being connected. It is a good reminder of God's presence with us.
Sharing a meal is the time to gather, so we can share our thoughts and think about our plans for the future. We can talk about things we learn on our own and through others. After all, the Bible tells us to reason with one another. It is a time for God to expand our horizons in the context of our understanding of who He is. We learn to appreciate compassion and forgiveness during such a time.
Sharing a meal is also a time for us to relax, rest and enjoy the goodness of God. We have learned to destroy our dinner time by either rushing around or being distracted by various electronic devices. Have you seen people sit down for dinners and don't even talk to one another? It is the fellowship of the distracted. We should treasure God's Blessings by being with one another fully.
Acts 1: 4-8
"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with[ water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”