You are welcome at the table of the Lord. Yes, you. And you. And you. Absolutely everyone in the world with open internet access (and a good translation app) can read this blog. That means I’m potentially addressing anyone in the world, and I’m including them all in the first sentence.
My tween and I weren’t feeling like getting up and dressed for church this morning, so we planned to stay home. No, it’s not that we were being slack; in fact, we attend small group Bible studies and worship pretty much every week. But there wasn’t really going to be a Bible study for her due to a retreat she opted not to go on, and our small group facilitator was out of town, so there was going to be something vital missing for us. Instead, we rested and then took advantage of being able to livestream the worship service of a church about two hours away.
For that hour, we were transfixed and transformed. In our living room, the two of us joining together with thirteen other parties online and many more in person, we worshipped. Responsive readings. Liturgies. Hymns. Spirituals. Prayers. We joyously participated in this worship. And we got convicted and uncomfortable. It’s the kind of discomfort that makes me want to DO something but has no idea where to start. I feel clumsy and fumbling in my efforts, and my OCD and hatred of that feeling–of not having it together before I start–can make me give up before I even begin. But I want to begin. As imperfect as my attempts may be, I pray that God blesses and refines the attempts to bring God’s love and justice to all I encounter.
Click play to listen to the powerful sermon. While it might not tick all the “proper sermon form” boxes, it was most definitely Spirit-breathed. (If you have time, go ahead and watch the whole service; it’s all inspiring.)
This service’s theme of being welcome to the table and there being ample room at the table reminded me of a pastor’s words of comfort and grace one Sunday service over a decade ago. When children misbehave, it is sometimes customary for their parents not to allow them to sit at the table for dinner, or maybe to dismiss them to their rooms from the dinner table. “Go to your room!” they command. Yet God never does this; God never dismisses us from the fellowship of the table. All are welcome. You are welcome. There’s plenty of room at the table, and I’m happy to dine with you.
