Our Daily Bread: Celebrating JesusSample

A Table for All

The LORD of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. -Isaiah 25:6

The upcoming holiday looked grim for Scott. He figured he’d simply be warming up a frozen dinner and watching some football alone. Dreading the isolation, Scott decided to put an ad in the paper, inviting other lonely people to dinner. No less than twelve people showed up! That was 1985, and every year since, Scott has placed a similar ad, welcoming as many as 100 people and now meeting in a local church building. Homeless neighbors, those who’ve lost their family, strangers who can’t travel home—Scott sets a table big enough for all kinds of people.

Isaiah describes God’s intention to welcome every wayward straggler, all who are downtrodden or forgotten. He’s “a refuge to the poor . . . [a] refuge to the needy in distress” (25:4). With God, those who are desperate for friendship or forgiveness or hope can find their hearts’ desires. One day “the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat” (v. 6). God widely extends the invitation, welcoming everyone to join Him for a feast—friends gathered around the table of grace.

This is God’s heart for us, and what He promises to do. We may bear the weight of loneliness or despair; but in Jesus, God welcomes us. And if we’ll simply come, each of us will find our seat at a table with room for all. -Winn Collier

Where have you experienced a welcoming table full of joy and prepared for all kinds of people? What does this image from Isaiah tell you about God?

God, I’m lonely, and I know others who feel the same way. We want Your table. We want to laugh and feast with You and with one another. Thank You for Your provision.