More Tables, Less Fences

Dear Southport Congregational Church,

This is the seventh and final devotion during the season of Lent. It’s been such a joy to read the previous devotions from our deacons, and I’ve so appreciated their vulnerability, insight, and courage to share them with us all.

I’ve mentioned in men’s and women’s group that the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) is perhaps my most favorite parable in the Bible. Additionally, the book, The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Tim Keller is one of my most favorite theological books. As we now find ourselves in the midst of Holy Week, it’s my hope for each of us to recover the heart of our faith in the Risen King.

In the season of Lent, it’s quite common for individuals and families to make plans for Easter brunch. Maybe you’ve already made reservations somewhere, or maybe you’re thinking of cooking a spiral ham, freshly made biscuits or rolls, a green-bean casserole, or some other favorite side dish to share with guests. The idea of gathering for a celebratory feast is not only traditional for many families, but also biblical. Jesus is constantly referring to His coming Kingdom using culinary terms and images. Whether it’s the banquet table that the prophet Isaiah points towards, Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana, or even the small meal Jesus shares with His disciples on the beach after His resurrection, scripture continually describes the Kingdom of God as a feast. The late pastor and theologian Tim Keller writes:

Feasting is communal by nature. No reunion, family gathering, wedding, or other significant social event is complete without a meal. When we invite someone to eat with us, it is an invitation to relax a bit and get to know one another. In many cultures, to offer to eat with someone is to offer them friendship. The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith, pg. 139

If you remember, the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son holds a feast to celebrate his youngest son coming home. The elder son, however refuses to join the party. The father eventually goes outside in the hopes of inviting the elder son back inside to join the festivities and celebrate. Unfortunately, the parable ends here, and we aren’t told if the elder son goes back inside. We don’t know if they embrace with a hug and reconcile over a meal.

But here’s what we do know: when God invites us to eat at the banquet table, there will be younger and older siblings alike. There will be individuals redeemed by grace from every walk of life sitting side-by-side at the table. There will be some elder siblings who were once jealous and there will be some younger siblings who were once reckless.

And I don’t know about you, but I think what the world needs now more than ever is more banquet tables and less fences. When political parties seem to divide more than they unite, we need more places to gather and find common ground. When the global tension seems to be at a breaking point, we need more places to take deep breaths and experience peace. And when late-night doomscrolling becomes a nightly habit, we need more opportunities to celebrate and share joy.

Maybe for you, this means hosting a meal around your banquet table with elder and younger siblings alike. For others it might mean inviting a friend to worship on Easter Sunday. And still for others, it might even mean making a long overdue phone call to make amends. However this looks for you, it’s my hope the Church can be a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone has a seat at the table. Because when the Lord of the Banquet returns, all things - including you and I - will be made new.

Grace and Peace,
Rev. Dr. Mark Waterstone