TABLE FELLOWSHIP

Eating at another's table had by far more importance in times past than it does in the present. In days gone by eating at one's table indicated, at least in the minds of most, that we condoned the actions of that person. It indicated fellowship with the person. Nowadays, when many new houses don't even have a dining area included, just a breakfast bar, with a TV cable plug nearby, constitutes the eating together of many families.

My belief that the family eating together, without the TV, would heal many breaches in the family relationship between husband and wife and children with parents. There we could, if we would, discuss religion, current events, political affairs and family problems. Something of what the table once meant would be restored.

Joseph, even in his elevated position (next to Pharaoh in authority). did not eat with the Egyptians. (Genesis 41:32) But Jesus ate with publicans and sinners, not indicating fellowship with them but that he might gain their discipleship. Paul discussed eating "things offered in sacrifice to idols," indicating things eaten not with whom eaten, might, under certain circumstances, indicate fellowship.

David said the Lord had "prepared a table in the presence of his enemies," thus indicating that he would be with David in his battle with the Philistines and others. Jesus told his disciples, who later became known as apostles, "Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Luke 22: 28-30). This could possibly refer to the Lord's Supper but I think rather that he was referring to the close and harmonious relationship they would enjoy with him in his kingdom.

But he has definitely given unto all of his people a table fellowship (the Lord's Supper) in which we commune (have fellowship with) his body, his blood, and we become one with him as we do so. All who have fellowship with God have the right to eat at that table.

As for our common meals, we need to use some common sense about whom we eat with. Will it be construed by some as indicating fellowship with them? If so, then we had best not eat lest we cause someone to sin.

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