7th Floor Devotional Day 14: ”Let’s Set a New Old Kind of Table...Together”

DEVOTIONAL DAY 14 - “Let’s Set a New Old Kind of Table… Together.”

Perhaps you remember family dinners at your grandparents' house like I do. The table was always set with the best silverware and Sunday dishes. It was a long table because we had a lot of people sitting around it. A special time with great food, friendly conversation, and the one "sure" event in our week. 

But, although a very fond memory, when we talk about setting a new old kind of table together, it is not about the silverware or the dishes. It is about getting back to the type of radical hospitality that Jesus modeled and called us to, where extraordinary effort and emphasis are placed on making people feel welcome. Where our culture overflows with acceptance, is filled with generous grace, and is beautifully diverse around the person of Jesus Christ. What if we intentionally began to set a new old kind of table like that together? 

It is so simple and profound and beautiful, and here is the cool thing: Every single one of us can do it! This is not a ministry reserved for those who have some kind of special training. It is what each of us is called and invited to. It is the people of God being the people of God and welcoming others into His family: Friends, neighbors; misfits; the marginalized; those like us, and those not like us. It is His new family - beautiful, messy, in process, broken, needy, unique, but all centered around Jesus!

At Forest City Church, we say that we have long tables and low walls. Long tables because we will always put another leaf in the table for the next person that wants to join us. Low walls as we make it easy for people to find their family among us. We won't put up barriers to people coming. Instead, we will introduce them to Jesus and a new family and encourage them and one another in our spiritual journey.

This is an invitation for you to join us in setting new old kinds of tables together. A culture of radical hospitality where anyone and everyone can find a home, a family, and a Savior. A place where Jesus is at the center and His Spirit pervades our relationships. It is where we grow in Him and create a home for the next one who needs a seat at the table. The table is His. We simply set the table. 

So here is the prayer for today: God, you have been so good to us all through this time of devotion and learning. Would you never allow us to forget what seventh-floor community is and how we can participate in it. It is your Gospel, and we get to play a part in making radical hospitality normal! Lead us in this transformative journey of building new old kinds of tables centered around your person. In Jesus' name. Amen.