- Come and Dine
Today this country celebrates a tradition called Thanksgiving. This tradition of a Thanksgiving dinner, originated as a harvest feast, thanking God they (the pilgrims), made it through their first year after landing at Plymouth Rock. The celebration was attended by 90 Native Americans, (who taught the pilgrims how to survive in this New World), and 53 remaining pilgrims. The tradition of the Thanksgiving holiday had been celebrated on and off since that time, until President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday in 1863.
Over the years family and friends have gathered around the table to give thanks for the bounty God has given them, for food, health, wealth, and family. In many households this takes place on the fourth Thursday of November, with family and friends gathering around the table groaning beneath the weight of the food laid upon it.
Let’s talk about that table for a moment if you don’t mind. Do you remember where or when you got it? Perhaps even remember first meal you had on that table. That same table may have hosted a baby shower, laden with gifts for the new life that was about to be born. Many breakfast lunch and dinners were eaten at that table, along with birthday celebrations, and anniversaries. Every afternoon at our table books and papers would be spread out, while children did their homework. It was not unusual to see science fair projects on that table, or 4-H projects, and art projects. We have celebrated graduations, family reunions, and even funeral dinners around that same table. This family has been very blessed to come around the table on a daily basis, to enjoy the bounty of God, and to be eternally thankful for it.
As I write this blog it puts me in mind of another feast that is being prepared at this moment for me, and all those who believe that Jesus Christ is their Saviour. We are invited to come to the table that God has prepared, as it is a feast for all eternity. It is an open invitation and everyone is invited. You know me, and know when I can interject a song that helps clarify a point, I will do so. This one is called:
COME AND DINE
Jesus has a table spread
Where the saints of God are fed,
He invites His chosen people, “Come and dine”;
With His manna He doth feed
And supplies our every need:
Oh, ’tis sweet to sup with Jesus all the time!
Refrain:
“Come and dine,” the Master calleth, “Come and dine”;
You may feast at Jesus’ table all the time;
He Who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,
To the hungry calleth now, “Come and dine.”
The disciples came to land,
Thus obeying Christ’s command,
For the Master called unto them, “Come and dine”;
There they found their heart’s desire,
Bread and fish upon the fire;
Thus He satisfies the hungry every time.
[Refrain]
Soon the Lamb will take His bride
To be ever at His side,
All the host of heaven will assembled be;
Oh, ’twill be a glorious sight,
All the saints in spotless white;
And with Jesus they will feast eternally.
[Refrain]
As parents the best lessons we can teach our children is to be truly grateful for all they have. I had the privilege of going to the Pacific Garden Rescue Mission in Chicago, with the youth group from my church. The experience of meeting homeless people firsthand help instill in me how truly blessed I am, and never to take anything for granted. It is important for us to prepare our children for the eternal feast that is coming and make sure they have a reservation at that table. The RSVP is in God’s Holy Word.
We as authors, have painted his whimsical picture of Thanksgiving in our writings, missing how truly blessed we are to live in this land of bounty. But even here in America, there are the homeless and hungry. Let us as authors, put these people in the forefront of everyone’s minds, and in doing so keep us all thankful, each and every day, for what we have been blessed with. It is my fervent wish, that each and every one of you enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving Day with your family and friends. Not just today but every day!
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Luke 6:38
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Psalms 107:8-9
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Psalms 100:4
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.
I Chronicles 16:34