Luke 22:24-30
And they began to argue among themselves as to who would have the highest rank in the coming Kingdom.
Jesus
told them, “In this world the kings and great men order their slaves
around, and the slaves have no choice but to like it! But among you, the
one who serves you best will be your leader. Out in the world the
master sits at the table and is served by his servants. But not here!
For I am your servant. Nevertheless, because you have stood true to me
in these terrible days, and because my Father has granted me a Kingdom,
I, here and now, grant you the right to eat and drink at my table in
that Kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of
Israel.
The Living Bible
copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights
reserved.
I cannot tell you how many times I visited my
Mam-ma Polly when she was sitting down at her table to a plate of food
that would barely feed her, and she would say, “Sit down
and eat with me.” And when I did, we’d both walk away from the table
stuffed to the gills. Somehow those “little piddlin’ amounts”
multiplied into a feast that sustained us…and filled our bellies AND our
souls. Even now as I remember this…or especially when I cook one of
grandmother’s signature dishes, I get that same warm feeling. I sense
her presence…her love…her generosity and servant’s heart.
Like
all of us, my Mam-ma Polly was not perfect. But for the most part, she
always thought of others first. She found someone to serve virtually
every day of her life, and did not discriminate in the least. And while
she might have told you that she was “a poor ‘widder’ woman” she was
one of the “richest” women I ever knew.
When we eat and drink at
the Holy Communion table, we should all be reminded of Jesus and how He
served us…how He taught us to love and serve ALL others…and how He took
OUR sins upon himself. When we eat the bread and drink the wine that
Jesus told the disciples were his “body and blood,” we are in reminded
of our sins…because His body and blood of were exchanged for them.
We cannot physically share a meal with Jesus until we enter
into His presence in Heaven. But this rite of Holy Communion serves as a
reminder of Him…of what and who Jesus died for…and warms our heart and
soul with His presence. This particular practice of the church is truly
one of the most holy and precious demonstrations that we make as
Christians.
At some point this week, many of us will likely share
Holy Communion. As you do so, think of Jesus…the “Servant” who became
last so that He could be first…our King of Kings. Remember that He gave
His body and blood so that we can once again dine with him someday in
His Kingdom. Remember that Jesus promised His disciples a place at His
table. Remember how a “little piddlin’ amount” of bread and wine have
come to symbolize the greatest gift we will ever receive…salvation
through Jesus Christ – and a heart and soul that are brimming full!
Humble
yourself as His servant…become “last” on this earth in order to be one
of the first in line for a seat at His table in Heaven. In Jesus, we
will never go hungry. He is inviting each of us to…”Sit down and eat
with me.” Won’t you take Him up on His offer?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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