Invitation to the Table

Scripture:

Rev. 3:19 I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent.
Rev. 3:20 Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.
Rev. 3:21 To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Rev. 3:22 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”

Observation:

The people of Laodicea were wealthy and had become self-sufficient and in this way were neither cold, nor hot spiritually. They were just lukewarm and this was a pitiful place in which to exist. One can imagine that they were good at looking like spiritual people from all outward appearances. They were adorning themselves in ways that would make them look spiritual and using their own local treatments for healing.

The tone of this scripture is one of rebuke, but a rebuke borne out of love. While they had an outward Christianity but they were not in fellowship with the Lord. They are invited to respond to the relationship for he is there at the door of their lives, knocking and wanting to come in and fellowship with them. The invitation to the table for the meal is significant for this is an invitation to become partakers together with him in his life. That’s why he can go on to say that he will give those who fellowship with him a place on the throne with him. The invitation is to much more than dinner, but to a place in the family. Therefore, listen up folks! Why do you care about the things of this world, when you can have so much more?

Application:

The implications for our lives are obvious. It is easy for us to become Laodiceans; people who are satisfied with looking like good followers of Jesus Christ. People who are very self-sufficient and probably give God the glory for their self-sufficiency. But this life is nothing compared to the table which is spread for us when Jesus comes and fellowships with us. He is standing at the door and when we invite him in he brings with him all the glories of the kingdom of God. The things of this world pale in comparison!

Don’t be satisfied with what life has to offer. Don’t be satisfied with a Christian life that looks good on the surface, but instead, invite Jesus in for real fellowship. By being seated with him at the table we will experience the real kingdom.

Prayer:

Lord, please help me to wait patiently upon you at your table.  Amen.