Be filled at this table

Our moderator opens his Bible on a cold Monday night to the book of Ephesians. In the stillness and warmth of a balcony classroom, a handful of us sit in metal chairs around two tables pushed together as he slowly reads Ephesians 3:14-19. We listen.

He reads again.
One word—filled—speaks to me each time from the readings.

He reads a third time.
This time the word stretches into an image.

As the rest of the words tumble down—“every family” and “riches of his glory” and “filled with all the fullness of God”—my mind journeys . . .

. . . to a big, square farm table. Sturdy chairs encircle it, enough for everybody. People come in from the cold out, gathering around the loud, boisterous table. The corner fireplace keeps us warm as heavy chairs are pulled in closer and conversation spills all around.

Everyone is welcome.
Everyone belongs.
Everyone is loved around this table.

Because Jesus is here.

He steps among the crowd, laughing between smiles, and fills our mugs with steaming, aromatic drink. I wrap both hands around my cup and fill my throat warm with it.

The invitation is clear: Celebrate!

Celebrate with him, with the family, around his table.

Victory is won. Embrace his fullness in you. Revel in it. This life in Christ—this Spirit in you—is designed for satisfaction. Be strengthened by it, empowered by it. The fullness of his love is immeasurable in quantity, in quality, in essence.

Know this love that surpasses knowledge.

Let it fill you deep.

Back around our smaller, quieter classroom table, we express any final thoughts. We each pray for another, then put on our coats, and climb back in our cars, drive away into the cold.

Yet the warmth travels with us.
The memories linger full.
The family Spirit burns on and in.

I have a permanent place at the table.
Fresh grace served daily. 
Seating still available. 

. . . know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:19

* * *

Do you have a place at the table, too?

Related:

• Where do you sit?
• “Come to the Table” – book review

I’m blogging this week about Live Second. Today is Session 2: Issues; Week 8: Success; Day 2 Ownership.

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