7th Floor Devotional Day 10: ”The Power of Your Table”

DEVOTIONAL DAY 10 - “The Power of Your Table.”

Where does radical hospitality start? It starts around dozens of tables in dozens of homes as we invite friends, neighbors, co-workers, and others to the simple ritual of a meal together. Nothing fancy. Simply a gathering of friends and strangers around a table where Jesus and conversation are the common themes. 

You may not realize this, but your table has power! When you invite someone into your home, you invite them into your life. The table is an intimate place where the opportunity to share and open your heart is more natural than elsewhere. Your home is part of who you are and to share food is to share the essence of life. And, because an invitation to your table is an invitation to your life, it is also an invitation to Jesus because He is part of your life. 

Jesus knew this, which is why many of His most intimate conversations were at the table. In fact, at the table, you can speak with remarkable candor because that is what one does at home. And the table is not a place of hurry but of rest and slow pace. The Middle East, where Jesus lived, is a place of long dinners with laughter, sometimes raised voices around things of conviction, and an invitation for all to be who they are. The table is an invitation to a place of honesty and acceptance.

Everyone has a unique story; few places are better suited to hear those stories than the table. Growing up in Hong Kong, we had strangers at our table three to four times a week (T.J Addington), and the magic of those meals was terrific. Once on a plane as an adult, the lady sitting next to me saw my name on something and asked if I was related to Dr. Gordon Addington. I said, yes, he is my father. She said, my husband, Cory, spent Christmas with you in 1965 when he was in the service, and he will never forget that Christmas. That is the power of the table. It can be the power of YOUR table! 

If you want to see lives changed - including your own, invite people to your table just as Jesus did. You will be amazed at what happens.

Here is your prayer for today: Dear God, thank you for the power of the table. I ask that you would lead me in opening my life to all those I encounter with the hopes of them seeing your goodness through me. In Jesus' name. Amen.