You arrive late to the event. Everyone is seated at the beautifully decked tables. The room itself seems to sparkle. The fine china is set. The centerpieces add color, beauty and fragrance to the elegant room. The sounds of a string quartet hang softly in the air. You look around hesitantly, hopeful that there will be a seat, embarrassed at your lateness. The host sees you and eagerly greets you, leading you to a place prepared for you. Your name is displayed in gold, scrolling letters on a place card. You sit, relieved that your place has not been given away, and, honored to be welcomed and cared for by such a gracious host. Your place has been prepared and kept for you. And then, you are overwhelmed to realize that you have been honored with a place at the host’s own table!
My friend, when it comes to God’s story on the earth, there is a seat for you at the King’s table. Like a banquet, God has reserved seating at His table and He has kept a place for you. Isn’t that amazing?! You have a place in His story. You have a part to play in His great drama. You wouldn’t exist if you didn't. Perhaps you feel like your place has been trampled on, like others have minimized your place or tried to take it for themselves. Know this: God has reserved your place for you. No one else can take Your place in God’s plan. It’s true! Your seat won’t be given to anyone else. It belongs to you!
The book of 2 Samuel in the Old Testament tells the story of Mephibosheth. He was the son of Jonathan, David’s beloved friend, and the grandson of Saul, David’s fiercest enemy. Jonathan and Saul were both killed in battle and David became king over all Israel. Years later, for Jonathan’s sake, David asked, “Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” Ziba [Saul’s servant] answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.” (2 Samuel 9:3 NIV) That was Mephibosheth. David had him brought to his home and every day, Mephiboseth ate at the king’s table. Even though his loyalty was questioned later on, Mephibosheth’s place was not given away. His failures and faults, his imperfections didn't matter. David wanted him there to show him God’s kindness.
God wants you at His table. He wants to show you His kindness. He will not give your seat to someone else. Your loyalty to Him may waiver. You may have chronic imperfections. You may have been His enemy at one time, but none of those things matter to Him. He chooses to put you at His table. The table of honor. He wants you close to Him.
When you are close to Him, you have a chance to hear all that He has planned, not just fo you, but for His body as a whole. When you eat at the King’s table, you eat what the King eats. You share in His bounty. All that He has is yours. He shares it with you.
Your past doesn’t matter.
Your imperfections don’t matter.
Your failures don’t matter.
Do you feel like someone else has taken your place or would fill it better? It’s a lie! No one else can take your place. No one else has the gifts and talents that you have in just the same combination for exactly the same purposes. God will keep your place for you. But you are the one who needs to take the seat. Receive the place that He has prepared for you. If you envy someone else’s place, you will miss out on what God has for you. Their place is different. Different servings. Different utensils. Exactly what they need to accomplish what God has called them to walk through. Their place is different. Not better. Different. Their journey will take them places you won’t go.
God knows what you need for the journey He has prepared for you and He has provided it. You have different needs than your sister or brother and He knows what they are, even if you don’t. Receive the gift. Learn to enjoy what He has provided for you. Your place is your place. Their place is their place. Come into your place.
Dear One, your place at His table is waiting for you. It doesn’t matter if you feel like you are late to the party. You haven’t missed it! He is holding it for you and only you. If you don't take your place at the table, it will remain empty. All that is waiting for you will still be there. He won’t give it away. Why do you hang back? You think you don't deserve it? You don't! And neither do I, but He wants us there any way. What a demonstration of His glorious love!
He wants you at His table. It’s true. Step into the place He has prepared for you. Enjoy what He has provided. There is a place for you at the King’s table.
Key Thought: God has reserved a place for you in His plan.
A Scripture to consider: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalms 23:5 NIV
A YES challenge: What prevents you from fully accepting the place that God has for you? Ask Him to forgive you for not receiving it and take time to thank Him for HIs love and grace.
Prayer: Dear Father, I know that I don’t deserve a place at Your table. You know the imperfections that are just a part of me. You know how I have lived in the past. You know the many ways that I have failed to honor You. It is hard for me to believe that You really want me, but I know that is the truth. Help me to step into the place that You have prepared for me. Help me to receive all that You have prepared for me. I love You, Lord. Amen.