Luke 7:49 (NASB) #verseOfReflection
Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves,
“Who is this man who even forgives sins?”
These days people don't take the time to slow down and enjoy life. You know how they say every once in a while to "stop and smell the roses"? I mean, when's the last time you enjoyed nature just because. Or sat by a body of water and reflected with ponderings that you might not often entertain or allow to amuse you. Before we were so busy running around doing this and doing that we actually took time out to enjoy ourselves. To recline.
Today's #verseOfReflection comes from a scene that was often common in Jesus' day, especially during the years of his public ministry. He was invited to dine with someone and obliged (many people forget how gracious of a guest Jesus really is). In dining with the one who invited him as well as the others he did what was common and "reclined at the table". This is no mistake as the image shown gives an idea of how one might recline when dining as a guest in someone's home.
Got me to thinking.
You may or may not remember when the first fiasco of the US Government's budget crisis (maybe you're saying which one), back near the end of December 2012. Republicans were saying how the President had not courted them. Eventually the President responded in kind and a handful were invited for dinner. I've noticed over time that food is a good way to start almost any conversation, if nothing else you can at least get people "to the table". Once they are "at the table" perhaps they might become more cordial and conversation actually begins to flow.
Who doesn't like a good meal?
When it comes to our vast differences, the increasing diversity in the world, and everyone trying to get their viewpoints, opinions, and knowledge across; one way of easily doing that is through this idea of reclining. You don't have to actually recline at the table, but simply inviting someone to "sup" (i.e. Eat/drink) with you is a step in the right direction. Building community and overcoming boundaries is often done through the use of food and fellowship.
Perhaps what this world is missing is a good ole' potluck. And maybe, just maybe food could've prevented the shutdown.
Sumthn2Ponder (s2p):
- When's the last time I invited someone over for dinner? (or over period)
- How good are my hospitality skills?
