Come to the Table

God Loves You...and He Wants You to Come to Him Just As You Are

More than 2,000 years ago, a little baby was born in a manger in Bethlehem. The world didn’t know it yet, but things would never be the same. Born into lowly circumstances, Jesus came to save every single one of us from our sins.

John 3:16 (NIV) says, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For a long time, it was easy for me to believe that God so loved the world. But it was more difficult for me to accept that He loves me personally. After all, I had made so many mistakes. How could He love me, Joyce Meyer, who was such a mess?

Maybe you feel this way right now. If so, I want to tell you a story…

God Is Looking for You

Second Samuel Chapter 9 (NIV) includes one of my favorite stories in the Bible.

After the death of King Saul and his son, Jonathan, David began to search for someone in the bloodline of Saul. Jonathan had been like a brother to David and he wanted to honor his friend by showing favor to any of his descendants.

David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1).

Well, David found out that Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth who was still alive. But he was told the young man was lame in both feet. However, his condition didn’t phase the King, who sent for Mephibosheth to be brought to him.

Mephibosheth came in fear and shame, bowing and asking, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?” (2 Samuel 9:8)

Many of us come to God the same way because we don’t feel good enough or believe we deserve His love, grace and mercy. I felt this way for a long time, so I understand what it’s like. But we don’t have to be good enough to come to God. He wants us to come to Him just as we are, and then He will change the things about us that need to be changed as we grow in our relationship with Him.

David assured Mephibosheth, saying, “Don’t be afraid…for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you shall always eat at my table” (2 Samuel 9:7).

The last verse of this chapter says, So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king’s table, [even though] he was lame in both feet (2 Samuel 9:13).

What a beautiful account of unconditional love, acceptance and redemption! And this applies to each one of us today. We may not feel like we are qualified, but God invites us as His sons and daughters to sit at His table (have a close, personal relationship with Him).

Maybe you don’t feel worthy of God’s love and blessings. The truth is, none of us are—it’s only through Jesus that our sins have been forgiven and that we are acceptable to God.

Like King David, God is looking for you, and He wants to show you kindness.

You Are Always Welcome

In Psalm 23:5 (AMPC), David says, You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies….

I love this verse! God prepares a table for us in the presence of all our enemies—all of our issues and problems. In the midst of what we are going through—our daily struggles, disappointments and growing pains—the Lord welcomes us into His presence. He doesn’t check first to see if our behavior was good enough this week. Because of Jesus, we are always welcome.

In fact, in those days, there was a custom that revolved around filling the cups at dinner. As long as the host continued to fill a guest’s cup, it meant that the guest was welcome. With this in mind, I want you to read what David goes on to say:

“You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over…and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place” (Psalm 23:5-6 AMPC).

God loves you, and He continues to fill your cup—on good days, bad days, and everything in-between. So, there is no reason for you to ever feel insecure, ashamed or fearful before Him.

This holiday season, you may have a lot to do in preparation for Christmas—things like shopping, decorating, special activities for your kids, wrapping gifts, cooking special meals, and the list goes on. This time of year can also be particularly stressful, and maybe you are dealing with a difficult situation that feels overwhelming or threatens to steal your joy.

Right in the midst of all—the busyness, the celebrations, and every hurt and need you may have in your life right now—I encourage you to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. God loves you, He is with you, and He desires for you to have a personal, intimate relationship with Him. You will always be welcome at His table, right in the midst of His presence.

It’s the reason why Jesus was born and gave His life for us over 2,000 years ago…and the reason we continue to celebrate Him today.