Reserved

And when the hour had come, He sat down and the twelve apostles with Him. Luke 22:14

In July of 1972, Randy and I were married and began what is now, forty eight years together. Isn’t it amazing how two people from entirely different families can come together and thrive? I am from a family where planning was key in a vacation, trip, or short get away. We always had reservations either at a hotel, a campground, or a friend’s house. I learned that Randy was not of this same mind.

As we left that fateful July day on our honeymoon, I was so excited on many levels, but especially because I just knew Randy had reserved a special room for our honeymoon! As we entered Tallahassee and he seemed to be looking for the hotel, I asked excitedly, “Where are we staying?” Not missing a beat, he said, “Well, I think there’s a Ramada Inn here where my Dad used to stay on business, but I’m not sure.” I can’t even describe the “Say what?” feeling at that point, but as a new bride, I patiently said, “So, no reservations?” Randy just looked at me, smiled and said, “No, I think finding a place to stay is part of the adventure, don’t you?” We drove around to five hotels before a manager took pity on us and rented us a room! Who needs reservations?

That event was a precursor to our life. There were many road trips, vacations, and other events where we had no reservations, but Randy was right, in most cases, it was the adventure that made the memories.

As I began to think of the disciples on the night of The Last Supper, I realized that none of them had reservations at the Lord’s Table on that fateful night. They just came knowing that there were would be a place for them if Jesus was in charge. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. (Psalm 23:5)

It’s significant to me that the communion took place at a table much like a kitchen table is for us today. He introduced the bread and the wine as the symbols of His body and His blood as He invited each to “Take, Eat, in remembrance of Me.” They communed with Him, and then in the end, they deserted Him. The important thing here is that He knew they would desert Him, but He forgave them. Sometimes, we do the same thing, yet He forgives us.

There’s a reservation at Jesus’ table for all of us. Look who sat with Him at the table of Maundy Thursday. There was Peter who denied him, Judas who betrayed him, and the disciples who ran away on that night. If there is forgiveness for them around His table, then surely there is forgiveness for us. Take, Eat.

During this Holy Week, we need to remember that we have our reservation at the Lord’s Table and in His kingdom. All we have to do is accept it.

Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord; come and quench this thirsting of my soul; Bread of heaven feed me til I want no more; Fill my cup, Fill it up, and make me whole. Fill my Cup by Richard Blanchard

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Thy rod and thy staff , they comfort me. Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever. Psalm 23