Our time with the Houtz clan in Kentucky was so blessed. I led worship for their Erev Shabbat service and we shared an excellent bible study on Shabbat of that week. It was the first night of the celebration of Hanukkah, and I cannot remember a time when I have experienced more pure joy and delight at Hanukkah than this particular evening in the Houtz home (where they amusingly called us "houtz guests!") We didn't do anything greatly "religious." We didn't put on a skit or make everyone read large portions of Maccabees. For me, the blessing was watching this family as they gathered at the table, lit the first candle, prayed together, sang together, and laughed together. It was there that I began pondering the power of the table in family life, dating all the way back to 2 Samuel! As far back as we can read, we see that being together at the table for a meal has been a center of family life, a place of honor, and a symbol of sustenance, strength, and unity.
In 2 Samuel we read the story of Mephibosheth. He was the handicapped son of David's best friend, Jonathan. David is determined to see that this young man who was "crippled in both feet" would remain a loved and valued part of his family. He called Mephibosheth to him after Jonathan died, and told him, "Don't be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father, Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table." What was he really saying to Mephibosheth when he said, "you will always eat at my table"? He was saying, "You are family."
As we have traversed these last 2,000 miles we have had many experiences with families in their homes, and sadly, this strong bond of gathering at the table seems to have disappeared in many homes. John said to me, "The table is like the altar in the family. It is a crucial part of keeping the family together."
Then other Scripture passages began to stir in my heart:
Psalms 23:5 "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." This passage has always been for me a picture of forgiveness. If we can invite our enemies to our tables, there is going to be forgiveness, restoration, and healing that takes place. And if we can gather a divided family back to the table at dinner time, to share the pieces of their daily lives, there is going to be restoration and healing there, too.
Certainly Yeshua understood the value of the family gathered at the table. In fact, in Luke 6:3-4 he illustrates this importance to the Pharisees when He says, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the House of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions." Yeshua was trying to show them that those who follow Him are priests, and the sharing of bread from the table with those who are hungry, especially those of our own friends and family, is of far greater importance than legalistic ritual. In fact, Yeshua's sharing of bread with His disciples at the table (Luke 24:30) seems reminiscent to me of David's sharing the Bread of the Presence with his companions. The bread Yeshua shared was certainly holy as well; it was symbolic of His body broken for all His family of believers.
(This is my son, his wife and children with me in their Sugar Hill, GA home)
Our hearts are broken by the recent school shooting in Connecticut. We are currently at my son's house in Georgia, and we were met at the front-door by my excited six-year-old grandson, who was eagerly anticipating our arrival. I saw him through the glass jumping up and down with joy, and all I could think of was all those parents who would no longer see their six-year-olds eagerly waiting at the front door for them to come home. And so I felt led to write this little blog about gathering your families around the table. Gather them together and hold them tight. Make it a daily priority, and don't make excuses because you are busy. What could be more important? What could bear more good fruit in your future? What could bring your spouse and your children more honor and sense of value? It is the time we invest in one another that ultimately matters - and the place to share our most intimate times seems to be the table!
We also enjoyed teaching and leading worship with a Messianic group in Phenix City, Alabama last Erev Shabbat - and will be ministering in the Gates to Zion congregation this weekend in Columbia, South Carolina. We have been so grateful for your prayers and support as we continue this journey. We'll send out some pictures when we get home and I can load them onto my computer.
Shalom and blessings from the road!
Kelly & John
