Taking Your Place at God’s Banquet

Taking Your Place at God’s Banquet  

Celebrating the holidays somewhat recently reminded me of one of my happiest, most meaningful traditions – the Christmas feast. I grew up in a home with strong European ties. Both my mother and grandmother (Oma) were first generation German. My German Family members had businesses in the lead crystal trade, so my Oma and mother had huge collections of exquisite lead crystal. They also loved fine china and silver, and my mother loved formal entertaining. This was not a snobbish thing, but instead a celebration of beauty and hospitality. Some of my fondest memories are of my mother happily singing while ironing the linens (this happy ironing I did not inherit), polishing silver, and setting a gorgeous table to invite friends for a wonderful feast. Entertaining this way is quite European, and kind of a lost art. She was a lovely hostess, an accomplished conversationalist, and made everyone feel so welcome.  

With the passing of both my Oma and mother, my sister and I inherited an impressive collection of crystal, china, formal flatware, and silver pieces. One year I was also gifted with beautiful Christmas china – I was thrilled. Once a year (which is about all I can handle), I take out all these beautiful, delicate things and present a Christmas feast. The table is truly exquisite. Because our Christmas is usually a quiet family time, at least half of us partake of this formal dinner in our jammies – praise God! Come as you are!

 

Your Exclusive Name Card

I woke up last night and the Lord said to me, “Take your place,” and He showed me a gorgeous banquet table, complete with name cards. He reserved a place for me. However, unlike the table at my house, no one is elbow to elbow. There is plenty of room at God’s table! The abundance of God is limitless because He is your feast and He is limitless!

I recently wrote a series on feasting on Christ as the Tree of Life. To receive more about feasting in Him, you will want to read my How to Operate in Purity and Power  blog series.

 Psalm 23:4-6 (TPT) says:

 

5 You become my delicious feast

even when my enemies dare to fight.

You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit;[b]

you give me all I can drink of you until my heart overflows.

6 So why would I fear the future?

For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life.

Then afterward, when my life is through,

I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!

 

A Table Prepared 

The Voice version words verse 5 as:

 

5 You spread out a table before me,

    provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies;

You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil,

    filling my cup again and again with Your grace.

 

“Preparing a table before” is the wording from many translations. The word, “prepare” is the Hebrew word, “arak,” which means to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place. 

God has set your table and has placed your name-card in the choicest seat. He is your feast. All things are found in Him. Taking your place at God’s banquet will provide all you need. 

 

A Purpose Prepared 

 Ephesians 2:10 (AMPC) uses the word, “prepare” in the context of preparing and providing for paths we are predestined to take. It says:

 

10 For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

 

Anointed and Appointed  

Because Christ is our feast, in Christ we are designed for a destiny and that destiny is designed for us, complete with the provision that we need. Everything we need is found in Christ and accessed by feasting on Him. Anointing, which means to be smeared with the Spirit of Christ, is Holy Spirit’s empowerment to do something. Psalm 23:5, the Amplified version brings out:

 

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

 

You have a seat a God’s beautifully and intentionally prepared table. Taking your place at God’s banquet brings Him so much joy.  You are anointed and re-invigorated to accomplish the purposes that God designed for you in Christ. That involves taking your place as a son or daughter at your Father’s banquet. Christ is your feast and your union with Him gives you the invite. Your name card at His table has already been established. This is a picture showing that who you are in Him has also already been established. 

Will you boldly, as a beloved and clean son/daughter take your place? This is your Father’s delight because YOU are your Father’s delight!

I trust this has been a blessing for you! Feast away, beloved!!

 

Catherine