THANKFUL

Monday, October 21, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Thank you for inviting us to the table. You have prepared a great feast with every good thing under heaven and invited all who will to come and feast. You created a custom-designed chair made especially for each person, with their name on it. And you will not give our seat away to another. We just have to accept your invitation and you will escort us to our seat.

You explained this offer of grace and how the kingdom of God works by comparing your feast to a wedding celebration. The King gave a wedding banquet and invited all to come. “Don’t worry,” the King says. “I’ll never run out of the spiritual food you need. My supply is endless.” But many gave excuses to the King. Some had to weed the garden, others needed to work in their shop. Some said they’d come at a later date, but just couldn’t work the feast into their busy schedule. Others told the King they had enough and didn’t need his food. As time goes by, they forget about the banquet and fail to take the King’s offer. He sent out his servants, inviting the guest. “Look, everything is on the table, the prime rib is ready for carving—come to the feast!” (Matthew 22:4 MSG) Sadly, the chair that the King made especially for them remains forever empty.

Thank you, Lord, for the table you provided and prepared for us to find peace, meaning and joy. In another place, you illustrated this point: “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more . . .” (John 6:35). Our prayer is we hunger for more of you, Lord Jesus.

Bless our dear ones facing medical and physical challenges. Your grace knows no boundaries. And bless and provide for our friends affected by the destruction of the tornadoes last night. Thank you for your mercy that no one loss their life. Be the God they need you to be. Provide and unify the people to put aside differences and work together in this catastrophe.

Forgive our sins, heal our nation. May we all come to your table, Amen.