The Breaking Of Bread

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Acts 2:42 NASB

Imagine you’ve been invited to share in someone’s special occasion like a wedding reception or anniversary party and there is a long, beautifully prepared table where everyone has a seat. You find your name card and sit between two people you’ve never met before. The cutlery glistens in the light of flickering candles, as slow murmurs of conversation begin. After awkward introductions, bread is broken and passed around. Soon, laughter and easy conversation flow. 

Our tables will become His churches. 

As you eat, the woman beside you tells a story about her young daughter’s first day of school and how she cried while waving her little one off. 

Over dessert, the man on your other side talks about growing up in rural Alberta - He says he remembers the smell of home—cocoa and bonfire smoke—and tells you how much he misses it. 

You share your story, too, finding it easier than you anticipated to tell strangers your thoughts and feelings, your hopes and dreams.

It’s odd: Even though you’ve just met them, no one here feels like a stranger. 

This is the kingdom of God at work. 

Scripture is God’s beautiful invitation to all of humanity to come to His table. Through Jesus Christ, we have a seat at this table—but not because we’ve earned it. 

Matthew 26:26-29 NASB While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

Even though God sends the invitation out to all, to each and every person He has created - some people don’t know they’ve been invited to His table. But my friends, that is where we sit with Jesus at the head of the table pouring over us, it’s where Holy Spirit sits among us, teaching, encouraging.  

God demonstrates His grace by reminding us that at the table, no seat is better than any other. There is no hierarchy in the kingdom of God. We’re all equal—our accomplishments, accolades, education and status all fade when we’re face-to-face with our Jesus. 

Those who belong to the kingdom of God exhibit humility. But true humility is self-sacrificial and we can struggle to obtain it because our natural inclination is that of self-preservation and achievement. 

So God often allows circumstances or people (or both!) to humble us. Think about ways you’ve seen Him do that in your life and what He’s taught you about His character and His kingdom.

Let’s set aside time this week to prayerfully read the Bible, to explore what it means to be part of the kingdom of God; focus on parts of the table set for a very special gathering - each piece symbolizes the ways God sees us participating in His kingdom here on earth. 

You’re invited to God’s table! Come and find your seat at His table!