Come to the Table

By: Rev. Arnel Tan

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Rev. 3:20 NLT

It is in the church of Laodicea that Christ gave his severe criticism for their being neither hot nor cold; it is also here that Christ made the most intimate offer of coming in . . . to share a meal as friends. An offer, made not to a particular individual, but to the whole church. This is a chance to change from being lukewarm into being ON FIRE for the Lord; not as a busy worker, but as a dear friend. Here, we see the heart of Jesus and His desire to have fellowship with His church. Nothing should replace that intimacy . . . no project, no matter how noble, should replace the enjoyment of God’s presence!

The table of God, through the observance of the Lord supper, is one example of how Christ invites His busy or lukewarm church to come aside and once more savor what matters the most in this journey of faith. We come to His table at his invitation . . . not at our initiation. Here, we lay aside all that we call urgent or important to give way to Jesus; here, we repent; we rejoice in our forgiveness; we are refreshed by His nourishing and welcoming presence. The wafer and the cup remain as to symbols. Yes, symbols representing eternal treasures.

This meal, shared with the Lord, is a glorious moment of cleansing and commissioning. We are warned by Paul not to abuse this communion like the Corinthian believers . . . for abusing the privileges of friendship destroys intimacy. The requirement is not a perfect or sinless life but a repentant heart ready to reconcile with God. A heart that is broken is a heart that is blessed. As Jesus offered the bread and blessed it and broke it, so shall we be blessed so we can live a life that shares the blessing of being broken. Today, we open our hearts to Christ and say, “Come in, Lord; take away our lukewarm hearts . . . set them on fire for Your glory. Cleanse our hearts that we may enjoy Your presence, not as a stern Judge . . . not as a stern judge . . . but as with a close friend. All of these we do in remembrance of Christ! Amen.