Whenever time and finances allow, there are few things I enjoy more than eating dinner with friends.  Last night, I experienced dining at its finest!  I had a free meal with a special friend.  We ate cereal, cookies, cupcakes, ice cream, pasta and soup.  The non-stop conversation was meaningful, and at the end of the meal our bellies were full.  A few times I tried to stand to stretch my legs or to go in and join the “grown-ups” in the other room – only to be instructed to sit back down in order to talk and eat a little longer. 

Fortunately, I used no Weight Watchers points during this meal.  The food was imaginary and my grandson-friend is two years old.  It was just the two of us, conversing and enjoying each others company.  This special meal brought to life a scripture I read today in Rev. 3:14-20.
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

    These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. [15] I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! [16] So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth. [17] You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. [18] I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
[19]   Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. [20] Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

This passage of scripture (especially verses 20, 21) is often misused,  especially when read out of context. These verses were never intended to instruct one on how to become a Christian.  These words were written to a church in Laodicea (an ancient Roman province of Asia).  Since this letter was addressed to a church, the recipients of this letter were individuals who had already become Christians.  These verses, however, do relay a most amazing message!

The Christians in Laodicea, who had at one time had made Jesus Lord of their lives, had now become complacent and lukewarm.  Though in an unacceptable standing before God, they still felt pretty good about themselves, forgetting their absolute dependence and need for their Lord.  Jesus, through strong words, attempts to stir their hearts to awaken them spiritually so that they will change their course. I try to picture this scene, where the group is gathered together as a church and Jesus is banging at the door, “I’m here!!! Let me in!”

What amazes me is Jesus’ desire to sit at our table  –  to sit and talk and dine with us. (And this was written after Jesus had been treated with apathy and contempt  when he deserves to be the focal point of our lives.)   If I try to walk away, it’s as if he has the same desire that my grandson expressed…”sit, stay, don’t leave… let’s keep talking and eating.”

My grandson wanted to share a “meal” with me. He was looking for my devotion and attention – my heart.  He was actually better at this dining experience than I was. He was not distracted with “more important” things.  I’m touched that my grandson wanted to sit and eat with me.

I’m floored that my Creator wants to come and “eat with me”.  I know he is looking for my devotion, my attention – my heart.  Yet I can too often become distracted with other things vying for my attention.  I know nothing is more important than His presence in my life.  Why should I ever want, through complacency, distraction or apathy – to leave a meal with Jesus?  He provides that menu that truly fills me and the ambiance that brings peace, comfort and security.

Are you enjoying His presence at your table, or is he banging at your door?