Isaiah 55:1-3a (NIV) - “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.”

“Of all the means by which Jesus could have chosen to be remembered, he chose to be remembered by a meal. What he considered memorable and characteristic of his ministry was the table-fellowship. The meal, one of humankind’s most basic and common practices, was transformed by Jesus into an occasion of divine encounter. It was in sharing of food and drink that he invited his companions to share in the grace of God. The quintessence of Jesus’ redemptive mission was revealed in his eating with sinners, repentant and unrepentant alike.” [C.T. McMahan]

Meals together can be a means to God’s grace, and the opportunity to share in the transforming power of God’s love. Like the meals with Jesus, each moment together are a call to follow Him and love each other like he loved us. They have direction and intention in every way - to love and welcome others into this ‘love feast’ of Jesus.

Let us hear afresh the invitation to come into fellowship with Jesus - thirsty, hungry, and in desperate for His presence. Let’s ask for a deeper and stronger fellowship with Him, and for hearts that listen and quickly come to him so that we may live (Isaiah 55:3), and live life to the full (John 10:10).

-TR