5 November, 2024

Tables of Grace

by | 13 May, 2015 | 1 comment

By Jim Tune

God has a thing for tables, and many of us can understand why. The Scriptures are full of stories of people meeting around tables and of relationships being formed and strengthened in that space. We resonate with these experiences. In my own life, the best moments with family have taken place around the kitchen table, visiting or enjoying a meal.

JT_May13_JNThe table is a place where we can be fully present with one another and develop deeper community.

The psalmist connected God with the table in a familiar passage: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5). Most of my experience with this psalm has been in the context of end-of-life pastoral care, offering a word of comfort for those grieving or those nearing death. Here we find encouragement to join not just God at the table, but also our enemies! What a picture”””God with us,” as well as “enemies” with us! The table is not just a place to consume food and enjoy company, but also a space where peacemaking and healing can occur.

Mark Moore has suggested that Jesus used meals as a means of disrupting social values and overturning normal standards of behavior and honor. Moore remarks, “Because he ate with all class of “˜sinners” he offended the sensibilities of the religious elite.”

In the Gospels we see Jesus reclining at a meal table to build relationships with all kinds of people. Jesus was accused of eating with “tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 5:30), but he used these times to demonstrate the restoring mission of God in the world. A prime example is how Jesus accepted the invitation of a religious leader to join him at the table, and while there forgave a woman whose sins were public knowledge (Luke 7:36-50). The Pharisees objected to this scandalous action, but there at the table Jesus created a place for both conversation and accountability. At the table the practices of love, worship, hospitality, and listening were demonstrated for all to see.

After taking a group of American Bible college students on a tour of a large Toronto-area mosque, the imam invited my wife and me to his home for dinner. He could barely conceal his delight when we accepted his invitation.

A delicious Asian meal was carefully prepared and served. It was obvious we were seated at a place of honor, and were, at all times, treated like esteemed guests. Our conversation was lively, occasionally punctuated by religious debate, but mostly centered around our families, our lives, and our different heritages. His face lit up with delight once again when I invited his family to join us at our home for a meal.

Though the results cannot be planned, the practice of meeting with others around a table can open us to some powerful, spontaneous spiritual experiences. When God wants to bring people together, he often sends them to a table.

Could it be that the table is not just a place of meeting, but also a place of mission? Maybe we need to develop a new “potluck” theology””one that welcomes strangers to us””and introduces us to unfamiliar foods and unfamiliar people. Jesus sits at the head of the table and offers grace to all.

1 Comment

  1. john allcott

    Amen. My wife & I have seen God really bless our labors here in Davao City, Philippines when they have included meals. People tend to not care what you know until they know that you care, & feeding folks is a great way to show you not only care, but you want to get to know them.

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

CCLF Concluding Strong First Year in Greater Cincinnati

In its first full year, the Christian Church Leadership Foundation has accomplished much to ensure Christian education and resources would continue to be available to people in the Greater Cincinnati area.

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

November 10 Study | I Pledge Allegiance

God’s people should be crystal clear about their allegiance. They play to an audience of one. So they must be very careful of other allegiances. For the believers in the seven churches, that meant coming out from the pagan influences of the culture.

November 10 | Discovery Questions

These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “The Battle is the Lord’s” (Revelation 17:1-2, 6, 18; 18:1-10), by Mark Scott.

Rescued

Each of us is an individual Titanic. We may, in our pride and self-sufficiency, think that we are uniquely grand and unsinkable. But each of us has already struck the iceberg of sin. It’s only a matter of time. But wait. God has provided a lifeboat for anyone who wants to be rescued.

Reasons to Be Grateful

Let’s honor God in this season as we give thanks for our blessings, as we celebrate our salvation, and as we take the gospel to the world.

Follow Us