We Are Guests at the Table. We Are the Meal

Easter is two weeks gone.  Our dresses hang in the closet as we wonder how many Sundays before we can wear them again.  The lamb and deviled egg leftovers are long eaten.  The candy has been eaten or stashed away or put out on our desks for others' indulgence.  Even with the bright blooming of our yellow forsythia and redbuds, we're back to our daily routines.  We might distantly wonder about the "so-what?" of Easter if we find ourselves daydreaming.

So, it's appropriate to read John's Gospel epilogue:  John 21: 1-19.  The resurrection is over and done and seven of the disciples, wondering what's next, and having no clue, return to their livelihoods of fishing - to no avail.  Slow to recognize Jesus, their post resurrection encounter with their Lord is full of symbolism:  an abundance of fish when they follow Jesus' direction; Peter's impulse to be with his Lord by jumping right into the sea; and the communion of fish and bread awaiting them on the open fire on the beach with Jesus as host at the Table.  The climax of their encounter with the risen Lord is Jesus' command to the forgiven Peter (and to us) to:  "Feed my lambs.  Tend my sheep.  Feed my sheep."
Having been fed (literally and spiritually) by Jesus, the disciples are commissioned to go forth and care for others.  Having come to the Table as guests, they are commanded to go out to the four corners of the world and offer themselves as the meal that will open others' eyes to Jesus - as the meal that will change the world.

Having worshiped with Jesus, they are to sing the praises that epitomize a world filled with the power of God's grace as described in Revelation 5: 11-14:  "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!  To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"

When we come to the Table and are fed, we are blessed when we become the meal for those in need.  This is discipleship.  This is mission.  This is the kingdom coming to fuller and fuller realization.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley