A Place at the Table

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

Matthew 5:6

After years of delivering hot meals to people in need, Lisa Thomas McMillan opened a restaurant called Drexell and Honeybees. McMillan’s restaurant features a unique concept. The menu has no prices. Guests receive no bill. The restaurant is donations only. McMillan’s desire is to give the hungry a place to dine with dignity. Everyone is welcome. Those who can pay do. Those who can’t don’t. Regardless of ability, everyone is offered a place at the table. 

The prophet Isaiah was a lot like Lisa Thomas McMillan. He saw the need around him and wanted to do something about it. He knew that the people of Judah were spiritually bankrupt. They were desperate for God’s grace, but they had nothing to offer God for it. But Isaiah also knew God’s grace is never for sale. It is offered free of charge. So he prophesied, "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy…without money and without price.”

Jesus, fulfilling Isaiah’s message, made a similar offer, albeit one centered on himself. He said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Jesus offers those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty a place at the table. When we take our seat by faith, he feeds us with righteousness.

Father, thank you for offering me a place at the table where I can be fed with your righteousness. I’m sitting down by faith in your Son.