Invited by Jesus.
and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 ESV
If you had 24 hours to live, how would you spend them? Jesus had a very close relationship with His disciples. They ate, travelled and lodged together for three years and when it came to His last few hours, Jesus chose to spend that time with them sharing the Passover meal, washing their feet, teaching them and in prayer together.
During the Covid lock-down we weren’t able to share meals with friends, but we’ve been blessed to be able to do so with different families in the last few weeks. Being invited to share a meal in a home is a huge privilege, and perhaps one that we can take for granted. To invite friends into our homes for a meal shows trust, generosity and especially love.
Meals can be memorable, we’re probably all able to recall special meals that we’ve had with those we love. We remember these meals because of the way we felt sharing that meal. It’s about the company and the shared experience rather than what we consume.
When we break bread in remembrance of Jesus, we’re invited to share a meal with Him. Through this meal we remember Him, not just what He’s done for us, but who He is. We also look forward to sharing a meal with Him (Revelation 19:7) (Luke 14:15) in His Kingdom when He has restored us all to the Father, and invites us to share in the eternal rewards that He has prepared for those who love Him. We look back and remember, we look up at Jesus and His gracious loving presence, and we look forward to a never-ending relationship with Him.
Prayer
Dear Father God Almighty, Thank You that You stand above and beyond time itself. Thank You for the promise of eternal and perfect relationship with You through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Father, please help us to keep our eyes on Him as we remember Him and also look forward to His glorious perfected reign. Please forgive us our sin and help us to extend Your love to those around us for the glory of Your precious Name. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
Worship
Here, at Your table, Lord, this sacred hour,
O let us feel You near, in loving pow'r;
Calling our thoughts away from self and sin,
As to Your banquet hall we enter in.
Come then, O holy Christ, feed us, we pray;
Touch with Your pierced hand each common day,
Making this earthly life full of Your grace,
Till, in the home of heav'n, we find our place.
Service
The service of hospitality has been difficult to practice for most of this year. This year’s difficulties create an opportunity for us to rediscover the amazing way we can reach out with God’s love through inviting others to share meals with us. Pray through who the Lord Jesus is asking you to show hospitality to, and then invite them to share a meal with you. Prayer that the Lord Jesus shows you how best to serve them both physically and spiritually.