Feasting

Tonight I will enjoy my first holiday feast of the season.  Our church will have its Thanksgiving Dinner.  Have I mentioned that Baptists like to eat?  There will be turkey and dressing, of course, and the ladies (and men) of our church will provide all manner of yummy sides and desserts for the occasion.  I’ve been a Baptist pastor now for more than 41 years. It’s a wonder that I don’t weight 300 pounds.

            We hope this will be our last big meal together in our old social hall.  We are closing in on the completion of a new one directly across the road from our sanctuary.  Even as I write these words electrical power is being connected to the building, and air conditioner units are being installed.  This building is the result of a lot of prayer, hard work, and generosity on the parts of the folks at Shellman Bluff Baptist.  It has been a dream for a long time, finally coming to fruition.

            I know there are some who wonder why you would go to such expense and trouble for a kitchen and a place to eat.  Why is a social hall so important? I don’t understand all of it, but I know that the Bible speaks of many times and places when the people of God gathered to eat.  Feasts and festivals fill the Old Testament. And on at least two occasions Jesus fed large crowds, performing grand miracles to do so.

            There is something about sitting at the table with others, eating a meal, and sharing good times that builds community.  Families are stronger when they sit together for a meal. And a church builds fellowship in this way.

            And by the way, from what I read in the New Testament, there is coming a great banquet to whom God has invited us when He sends His Son back to earth. One day we will sit with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and enjoy the ultimate feast with the saints of God.  I look forward to that day. But in the meantime, I will enjoy dinner tonight with my church family as I anticipate that great day in the future.