The Feast

There once was a great man who was troubled by the hunger that he saw all around him. He provided a lavish feast of all the finest delicacies and he invited everyone to attend the feast and partake of its marvelous bounty. There was no charge. The great man, as master of the feast, had paid the bill in full. Word began to spread. Many people came and enjoyed the feast. Others heard about the feast, but mistakenly thought they must pay for their meal. They set about working so that they could earn their place at the table. Still others heard about the meal, but felt excluded. They did not know the invitation extended to them. Many thought that the invitation was only for the elite, so their lowly status kept them from attending. The master was saddened because he had provided sufficiency for all, and many had yet to receive. He was troubled to see the bickering that took place at some tables, as his guests vied for the best foods when there was more than enough. He watched in disgust as people guarded their tables and excluded others from sitting with them, or even drove some away from their midst. His heart was most grieved by the guests who had eaten their fill, but now stood in the doorway turning away the hungry. These self-appointed guards barred entrance to the starved because they were too hungry, too different. Word soon spread outside the feasting hall that the people at the feast were terrible and cruel, and so assumed that the master of the feast was likewise terrible and cruel. However, there was a remnant of guests who understood the master’s intention. They knew that he provided the feast out of his great love for the people, so that no one would ever starve. They received the bounty with gratitude and gladly shared it with others, taking food out to those who were excluded. With kindness, they spread the word that the meal was free and all were welcome. They gladdened the master’s heart by fulfilling his purpose.

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I tell this story to paint a picture of Christianity. I believe that when Jesus was crucified, he paid for the sins of all mankind - past, present, and future. He is the master of the feast. Grace, mercy, and forgiveness are the food. The hungry are those who were born into this fallen world, bound to sin by default. Not sin, the action, but sin, the state of being. Partaking of the master’s feast changes one’s state of being from sin to righteousness, from hungry to filled, born again into a relationship with our Creator. The most important point that I want to make is this - the table was laid and food was provided for all. The master’s wish was that all would come and be filled. There are obstacles that keep some from receiving; but forgiveness, grace and mercy are available for all. 

So, on this Easter Sunday, this day of celebrating His glorious Resurrection, I gratefully honor the Master who paid the price for all mankind to be filled. His sacrifice provided restoration to a place of right-standing with our Creator, regardless of our faults, mistakes, lifestyles or efforts. I receive forgiveness. I embrace grace. I proclaim mercy. I encourage the hungry to receive His bounty today and be filled. Know that the One who created you loves you with a great passion. He sees past your imperfections and loves you right now, for who you are. And, finally, I ask those who are filled: Are you barring the door, or are you inviting them inside?