There is just something about good food and good conversation that go together nicely! I had a great weekend doing both a lot of talking and a lot of eating. I truly believe there is something special about gathering around a dinner table that lends itself to good conversation--no television, no ringing cell phones, no interuptions, just good ole fashion conversing! As a poor seminarian, it is also a blessing when people invite me to dinner. I not only see that as an opportunity to fellowship, but as God's provision for a meal! Amen!
I started thinking about the Biblical and spiritual implications of eating and fellowship and immediately I see images of Christ and the Last Supper and the Great Wedding Banquet that will take place in the eschaton. Just think, when Christ comes back for His Bride (the Church), we are going to have one large pot-luck (Isaiah 25:6-7)!
The first century Christians in the book of Acts left us a great example. These Christians were devoted to fellowship, the breaking of bread, and one other important element: prayer. Take a look at this account of the Christians in the book of Acts:
They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, praising God and having the good will of all the people.
Acts 2:42, 46-47
How often do we 21st century Christians experience all three of these: fellowship, food, and prayer? I think probably not too often, but we sure do need it. This weekend when I experienced this, it truly warmed my heart and ministered to my soul because I experienced all three. Before leaving my friends Chawn and Julie's house after a great meal and fellowship, they offered to pray before we concluded our night together. What a blessing!
This just reminded me that the next time I get together to break bread with friends or family to remember fellowship and prayer as a part of that time. As we all eagerly approach Thanksgiving next month, let us consider how we can minister to others even before that day by fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.
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2 comments:
how totally weird that this was my devotional this morning....i love you so much...but next time...we may need to do a little more of the praying and less of the breaking of bread...amen?...amen
yeah...we did a lot of eating! those enchiladas were soooo good! i bet they made for good left-overs!
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