How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Â Â Â Â Â Psalm 133 (NIV)
Every Thursday night for the last eight weeks I have been overwhelmed by how good God is! Every Thursday people come to my home for supper. I never really know who might show and it’s been a different number each time but there’s been plenty of food. It hasn’t changed my weekly food budget, but it has changed the way I think about hunger and feeling “full.â€
“…whoever comes will never be hungry … and whoever believes will never thirst…†John 6:34-36 It’s been interesting to see children and adults come and eat whatever happens to be on the table. No one asks to “have it their way!†They are appreciative for whatever it is. And it’s great to see smiles when they are leaving.
I am a foodaholic. I love food and so when I made a life change about six months ago, I began to notice that I loved the people I was eating with more than I did the food I was eating and so I ate less. Jesus wants me to crave and desire what will truly satisfy me, not what will give me that instant gratification or quick fix.
“…come to me … and I will give you rest.†Matthew 11:27-29 I have noticed that many who have come through the door to our home look so very tired. Yes, they have worked at their jobs or in school all day but it’s their eyes. They are exhausted! And I bet I look like that to them also! At the end of the evening, I am physically tired but I was looking at myself in the mirror last night as I was preparing for bed and my eyes were twinkling! I had been given a booster shot at dinner! Spending time with Jesus and fellow disciples was uplifting and restoring.
Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it… Matthew 26:25-27 Jesus said that we were to come together, break bread and remember Him. He said that if two or more of us got together, He would be there too (Matthew 18:19-21). And Jesus has been with us at the supper table, laughing and enjoying the time.
We spend one or two hours a week in worship with other disciples. We spend another – 70? – hours a week with family, co-workers, clients, and other strangers who drain the joy out of us. And we wonder why we are tired! We go to the gym; spend money on football games or movies and video games to take us to a fantasy world in the hopes of relaxing and recharging. And maybe they do for a couple of hours. But maybe we should give Jesus’ suggestions a try – spend time with His brothers and sisters and break bread together. It doesn’t have to be fancy and it isn’t about how fine the china or shiny the silverware. It’s just simply gather together, invite Jesus, share some food and laughter – and see what happens.
I Am A Friend of God written and sung by Israel Houghton and Michael Gungor
