Series Introduction: Come to the Table
"Come to the table," God said to me with a smile on His face and a warm gesture of his hand to toward my seat at His table.
The significance of sitting at a table with Jesus really stood out to me while in prayer with a Christian counselor. The purpose of the session was to refocus my heart and mind on God. I received so much revelation in this time of prayer yet what has stuck with me the most is this invitation from God to "Come to the table."
Have you ever said to God “I’m not sure what I’m doing or what I’m supposed to be doing?”
There are times when I look at both myself and the world and I get caught up and even frustrated by the desire for greater and lasting transformation in me and around me. The desire for real transformation has been on my heart for 16 years but, more often than not, it feels unattainable.
During that time of prayer, I saw an image of myself as a young boy. In tears I said "I don't know how to do this!" (‘this’ being life). The answer God gave me was, "Come to the table." At first, I thought that wasn’t an answer. But I soon began to realise that it was the exact answer I needed. This answer was an invitation into something so much more.
In the vision, I accepted God’s invitation and took my seat at the table. The invitation allowed me to talk with God, share frustrations, hurts and ask questions.
As I sat at the table, I was instantly comfortable there. I knew I didn't have to fight for my seat, it was, and would always, be mine. And from my place at the table, God drew me closer to Him with His smile. I felt grace and love flow and also rest and revelation while there.
That picture of His table has been pivotal for me in developing my understanding of God’s heart. It is not a complete picture of God and His Kingdom – but it has been hugely significant for me. It aligns with a word I received two years ago while in the Philippines. During a time of prayer with some of the team at Destiny Ministries International, a friend and minister grabbed and squeezed my hand and almost instantly I heard God say "Come in."
Closer and closer God is inviting us. It must be our heart to respond.
“
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
In my next few posts, part of a series called Come to the Table, I’ll write more about this invitation and how we can respond. But for now, let Jesus invite you to the table and closer and closer into the beautiful family of God in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
