A Seat at the King's Table

Intimacy with God is highlighted in this season as He calls us to tabernacle with Him.  He wants us to sit at His table with Him because it is here that we can know acceptance and grace and love.  According to Leviticus 23:34 and Deuteronomy 16:13, the Jewish people set aside an entire week to meet with God as they dine in their sukkahs outside under the stars and remember God's faithfulness to them for the 40 years that they lived in the wilderness.  God is extravagant in the way that He prepares His table, and He goes to extraordinary measures to bring us there.  The story of King David and Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 pictures this.
 
After being established as king of Israel, David went about "doing what is just and right for all His people." (2 Samuel 8:15)  He remembered the covenant he made with his dear friend Jonathan and wanted to show kindness to his son Mephibosheth who was living in LoDebar.  Mephibosheth was lame since age 5 as a result of a fall with his nurse.  Sadly, this boy grew up not knowing his inheritance.  His dad, Jonathan, named him according to his destiny.  Mephibosheth means exterminating the idol and destroying the shame.  Yet he was hidden away in the wilderness of LoDebar, meaning without pasture or lacking fruitfulness.  Not only were his feet crippled, but also his spirit.  He took on an orphan spirit which kept him from realizing his destiny.  However, King David went to find Mephibosheth, taking him out of the wilderness and bringing him to his home.  David did two things for him:  He restored to him the land that belonged to his grandfather, Saul, and gave him a permanent placed at his table.  Scripture says, "So Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's sons." (2 Samuel 9:11)
 
Like King David, King Jesus invites us to join Him at His table.  The enemy of our souls tries to hide our inheritance.  However, at the right time, the Lord will come to get us from our wilderness to redeem what was taken and restore all that has not been realized.  He invites us to come to His table to dine with Him and gives us a seat of honor next to Him.  We are sons and daughters of the King of kings!
 
What a blessing!  As the celebration of Sukkot or The Feast of Tabernacles begins on Wednesday, let us remember that God calls us to His banquet table, and His banner over us is love. (Song of Solomon 2:4)  This is the season to say yes to the invitation that is extended to us.  Communion or intimacy is only realized as we set aside our daily activities and focus on Him.  There is a seat set aside for each one of us next to our Omnipresent God that has our name on it.  He calls us sons and daughters and has made us heirs to His Kingdom. (Galatians 4:7)  This season should be one where we are reminded of our position in Christ.  It gives us a great reason to celebrate!