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Tuesday,
March
30,
2021
We will one day gather at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb in heaven. Jesus told the disciples at the Last Supper, "I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matthew 26:29).
"Come
to the Table"
Message
summary: "If you can imagine a table that's
as far as you can possibly see and there's already
a chair sitting there with your name, just waiting
for you to come pull it out..."
Listen to this message on your audio player.
"I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matthew 26:29). “When the hour came, Jesus and His apostles reclined at the table. And He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:14,15). “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21). “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. These are true words of God” (Revelation 19:9).
Listen to this message on your audio player.
"I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matthew 26:29). “When the hour came, Jesus and His apostles reclined at the table. And He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:14,15). “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21). “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. These are true words of God” (Revelation 19:9).
Randy
Williams is a friend I met many years ago at
CBMC, a Christian businessman's group that meets
here in Lancaster County. Brooksyne has become
acquainted with his wife, Margaret, the last
several years since all three of them sing in
the choir together. Randy is a Physician's
Assistant who served for many years in medical
missions work in Haiti.As
a wedding gift to their children they gave each of
them a dining room table!
Extended dining tables are common in our area and
are used for seating a large family and/or friends
around a special meal. They're similar to a
regular dining room table but have many more leaf
extensions making the table extra long, which
saves the hostess time and hassle setting up
makeshift furniture to seat all the extra guests.
We once ate a Sunday meal with a family that
seated twenty-two adults comfortably at their main
table. The children were at other tables. The most
interesting feature is that on some models of
these extended tables the leafs are self-storing
so the table can easily extend from seating a
small family to a large group.
Brooksyne and I commented on what a practical, long-lasting and valuable wedding gift a dining room table is. A well built table will last a lifetime and can be passed down as well. Consider how many great memories are made around the dinner table. Family, friends, favorite food dishes and conversation are key ingredients to memorable fellowship.
Today,
let us consider a special table in the Bible,
known as "The Lord’s Table". This table should
prompt a solemn memory of Christ’s sacrifice. Many
churches have a table in the front of the
sanctuary known as the "Communion Table".
The setting of the first Lord's Supper is the final hours of Christ’s life before His atoning death and a Passover meal He had with His disciples. “When the hour came, Jesus and His apostles reclined at the table.”
“When the hour came” is deeply significant. As the time approached for Christ’s ultimate demonstration of love He declared, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 12:23). A few verses later He bore His heavy heart, “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour” (John 12:27). He began His high priestly prayer, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You” (John 17:1).
“Jesus and His apostles reclined at the table.” Although this was a literal physical table, early in the life of the church it became figuratively known as “The Lord’s Table” in relation to the ordinance of Communion as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:21. Surely we can recall many occasions of worship, gratitude and joy around this table. This week, on Maundy Thursday, many congregations will gather around the Table of the Lord and recall the spiritual significance of His broken body and shed blood. Our church will have a "Good Friday" service.
But there’s a future table in heaven that will be set up for another memorable meal, "the marriage supper of the Lamb". There are many mysteries in the Word that make us wonder how it will all take place, but most of us can identify with sitting around a large table with an abundance of food amidst family and friends. We can be assured that all the words of the Scripture are true but in this case it’s reinforced in the text itself, "These are true words of God".
“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” The opening photo is a common depiction of the table set for this marriage supper of the Lamb. The extent of God’s hospitality is in His ultimate invitation, "Whosoever will, may come". And even more familiar to many of us are those wonderful words from the Golden text (John 3:16), “whosoever believes in Him.”
Brooksyne and I commented on what a practical, long-lasting and valuable wedding gift a dining room table is. A well built table will last a lifetime and can be passed down as well. Consider how many great memories are made around the dinner table. Family, friends, favorite food dishes and conversation are key ingredients to memorable fellowship.
Today,
let us consider a special table in the Bible,
known as "The Lord’s Table". This table should
prompt a solemn memory of Christ’s sacrifice. Many
churches have a table in the front of the
sanctuary known as the "Communion Table".The setting of the first Lord's Supper is the final hours of Christ’s life before His atoning death and a Passover meal He had with His disciples. “When the hour came, Jesus and His apostles reclined at the table.”
“When the hour came” is deeply significant. As the time approached for Christ’s ultimate demonstration of love He declared, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 12:23). A few verses later He bore His heavy heart, “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour” (John 12:27). He began His high priestly prayer, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You” (John 17:1).
“Jesus and His apostles reclined at the table.” Although this was a literal physical table, early in the life of the church it became figuratively known as “The Lord’s Table” in relation to the ordinance of Communion as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:21. Surely we can recall many occasions of worship, gratitude and joy around this table. This week, on Maundy Thursday, many congregations will gather around the Table of the Lord and recall the spiritual significance of His broken body and shed blood. Our church will have a "Good Friday" service.
But there’s a future table in heaven that will be set up for another memorable meal, "the marriage supper of the Lamb". There are many mysteries in the Word that make us wonder how it will all take place, but most of us can identify with sitting around a large table with an abundance of food amidst family and friends. We can be assured that all the words of the Scripture are true but in this case it’s reinforced in the text itself, "These are true words of God".
“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” The opening photo is a common depiction of the table set for this marriage supper of the Lamb. The extent of God’s hospitality is in His ultimate invitation, "Whosoever will, may come". And even more familiar to many of us are those wonderful words from the Golden text (John 3:16), “whosoever believes in Him.”
In
his introduction to the song,
"To The Table", Zach
Williams says,
"If you can imagine a table that's as
far as you can possibly see and there's already a
chair sitting there with your name, just waiting
for you to come pull it out..."
We
have received many invitations and attended many
weddings. These joyful occasions are very
memorable events and the reception to follow
provides great opportunity to celebrate with
family and friends of the couple. But nothing in
this life will compare with a future marriage
supper at the ultimate table.
Brooksyne and I expect to see you there and, by all means, please stop by so we can visit with you around that Table. We might even get to talking about what we find to be scrumptious and scoop out a spoonful for you to enjoy as well!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Brooksyne and I expect to see you there and, by all means, please stop by so we can visit with you around that Table. We might even get to talking about what we find to be scrumptious and scoop out a spoonful for you to enjoy as well!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, salvation belongs to You who
sits upon the throne and to the Lamb! Words are
inadequate to express our joy in knowing that one
glorious day we will attend the Wedding Supper of
the Lamb because You sent Jesus to be the sacrifice
Lamb who provided for our salvation. Though words
cannot adequately express our joy, the way we
conduct ourselves is an expression of thanksgiving
to You. We look forward to that glorious day when we
shed these mortal bodies and take on immortality,
when we receive our wedding garments which will be
robes of white. Until then, we prepare ourselves by
praying in the Holy Spirit and keeping ourselves in
Your love as we wait for the future wedding supper
of the Lamb. Amen.Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental
Resources
"To
the Table" Video Zach
Williams (Live from Harding Prison)
You will be so blessed by the introduction
from which I got the quote used in the
message. (Video with lyrics)
There’s a chair that waits for you
And a friend who understands
Everything you’re going through
But you keep standing at a distance
In the shadows of your shame
But there’s a light of hope that’s shining
Won’t you come and take your place
So bring it all to the table
It’s nothing he ain’t seen before
For all your sin, all your sorrow
And your sadness
There’s a savior and He calls
Bring it all to the table
He can see the weight you carry
And the fears that hold your heart
But through the cross you’ve been forgiven
You’re accepted as you are
Come on in and take your place
There’s no one who’s turned away
All you sinners, all you saints
There’s no one who’s turned away
So bring it all to the table
It’s nothing he ain’t seen before
For all your trials, all your worries
And all your burdens
There’s a savior and he calls
Bring it all to the table
We
all start on the outside
The outside looking in
This is where grace begins
We were hungry we were thirsty
With nothing left to give
Oh the shape that we were in
And Just when all hope seemed lost
Love opened the door for us
He said come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
Come meet this motley crew of misfits
These liars and these thieves
There's no one unwelcome here
That sin and shame that you brought with you
You can leave it at the door
And Let mercy draw you near
Come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
Come to the table
To the thief and to the doubter
To the hero and the coward
To the prisoner and the soldier
To the young and to the older
All who hunger all who thirst
All the last and all the first
All the paupers and the princes
All who’ve failed you've been forgiven
All who dream and all who suffer
All who loved and lost another
All the chained and all the free
All who follow all who lead
Anyone who's been let down
All the lost you have been found
All who have been labeled right or wrong
To everyone who hears This song
Come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
Come to the table
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
The outside looking in
This is where grace begins
We were hungry we were thirsty
With nothing left to give
Oh the shape that we were in
And Just when all hope seemed lost
Love opened the door for us
He said come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
Come meet this motley crew of misfits
These liars and these thieves
There's no one unwelcome here
That sin and shame that you brought with you
You can leave it at the door
And Let mercy draw you near
Come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
Come to the table
To the thief and to the doubter
To the hero and the coward
To the prisoner and the soldier
To the young and to the older
All who hunger all who thirst
All the last and all the first
All the paupers and the princes
All who’ve failed you've been forgiven
All who dream and all who suffer
All who loved and lost another
All the chained and all the free
All who follow all who lead
Anyone who's been let down
All the lost you have been found
All who have been labeled right or wrong
To everyone who hears This song
Come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
Come to the table
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
"Come to
The Table" Video Michael
Card
"Remembrance (Communion Song)" Video Matt Redman
"Come and Dine The Master Calleth" Video Gary Chapman Many recall this great hymn often sung in the past. The Lapps led out in the chorus of this hymn as we sat at their table just before we prayed and ate a wonderful meal Anna Ruth prepared for Ester's 32nd birthday on March 17th.
"O Come To The Altar" Video Closing song at a Calvary Church service last year (includes altar call and closing pastoral prayer). I thought this song was called "O Come To The Table" and had a rather frustrating search trying to find it that way!
"Remembrance (Communion Song)" Video Matt Redman
"Come and Dine The Master Calleth" Video Gary Chapman Many recall this great hymn often sung in the past. The Lapps led out in the chorus of this hymn as we sat at their table just before we prayed and ate a wonderful meal Anna Ruth prepared for Ester's 32nd birthday on March 17th.
"O Come To The Altar" Video Closing song at a Calvary Church service last year (includes altar call and closing pastoral prayer). I thought this song was called "O Come To The Table" and had a rather frustrating search trying to find it that way!
A consideration of
the Weber dining room table
Thirty-five years ago we bought our first home with a separate dining room in Saint Marys, PA. (We had lived in a mobile home for several years before this). We needed to furnish the home and Brooksyne found an old 48”x48” oak dining table for $50.00 at an estate sale that included five 12” leafs. At the time it was an absolute mess with deep scratches etched in the laminate top, along with multiple colors of stain. It had black stain on the carved legs and the leafs had ancient linoleum glued over the oak which looked hideous. In addition the table was in poor structural shape. But like the message in the song “The Old Violin”* Brooksyne saw promise in that old table and she found the price to be appealing as well.
I saw little hope for the bedraggled piece of over-used furniture and told Brooksyne so. Who knows, we probably even had some "words" over it at the time! (Brooksyne's editing note: We did have "words" to put it mildly.) In my view it was a waste of money but Jeff, a forestry friend and craftsman carefully studied the pitiful table and gave a nod in Brooksyne’s favor. He saw potential as well so she made the purchase. After a good month of her furiously stripping, sanding, and staining I finally saw the underlying beauty of the table. Jeff assisted with the structural restoration and I got on board by drilling new holes and inserting better fitting dowels for the leafs.
We later found a table very similar to ours
advertised for $14.25 in a 1906 Sears
catalog, so our table has actually
appreciated in monetary value over the past
century and has seated many, many people
with many memories! Fully extended it
comfortably seats 12 people and on many
occasions we’ve had more than that with kids
crammed in. We are quite sure some of you
reading this have sat around our table and
through the years we’ve shared many photos
taken from around this table.
The table has served us very well as we’ve dined with people from all over the world. It’s a place where many of our memorable conversations with friends and family have taken place. You surely have a dining table of special significance in your home as well where you’ve built memories, whether it’s that roast beef dinner Mom made every Sunday or the times relatives and friends joined for those special holidays. Perhaps, like us you’ve had group Bible studies and gleaned important spiritual truths as you’ve studied together at your table. We are quite sure some of you reading this have sat around our table and through the years we’ve shared many photos taken from around this table and today we will share several.
* "The Touch Of The Masters Hand (The Old Violin)" Video Wayne Watson
The table has served us very well as we’ve dined with people from all over the world. It’s a place where many of our memorable conversations with friends and family have taken place. You surely have a dining table of special significance in your home as well where you’ve built memories, whether it’s that roast beef dinner Mom made every Sunday or the times relatives and friends joined for those special holidays. Perhaps, like us you’ve had group Bible studies and gleaned important spiritual truths as you’ve studied together at your table. We are quite sure some of you reading this have sat around our table and through the years we’ve shared many photos taken from around this table and today we will share several.
* "The Touch Of The Masters Hand (The Old Violin)" Video Wayne Watson
A Russian youth group who visited our home for a meal and hike along the river trail.
Ester showing off her "selfie"
skill at her 30th birthday party two years
ago. She had to cover the long 10 foot
table and indicated it might be difficult,
but she managed anyway!
Our Zimbabwean friends came over to share some cake and ice cream when we celebrated Brooksyne's 62nd birthday. Neville, Nathan and Tho Ncube joined her.
A group of men from the Faith Community Church in the Lehigh Valley joined us for breakfast. They were attending a men's conference near Harrisburg and crashed at our place.
We had a fine time sharing around the table during a visit with several business leaders we work with. Following our meal, dessert and coffee we ended the evening by each saying a prayer.
A home Bible Study about fifteen years ago - three individuals in this photo are now with the Lord.
A family gathering over 30 years ago, perhaps our first photo of the old table in use.
Perhaps these photos will stir
some memories you've had around your dining
room table!
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a message to Stephen
& Brooksyne
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Weber".Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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