Having Dinner With God
Exodus 24:9-11
In the Steps of the Rabbi # 11

The Jewish People have developed a rich understanding of the place of hospitality in daily life. Hospitality in this region of the world was considered a sacred obligation. Jesus was no stranger to hospitality.

I. Ancient Hospitality:

A. Hospitality is so highly valued in ancient cultures that it is impossible to consider withholding it.
B. "Take nothing for the journey except a staff - no bread, no bag, no money in your belts ... And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them" (Mark 6:8, 11).
C. Sitting down at the same table with someone meant that you shared a protected relationship with them.
D. Listen to David's words in Psalm 23:4-5

"Even though I walk
through the darkest valley, a
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows."

II. Having Dinner with God

A. When a covenant was made, it was celebrated with a ceremonial meal.
B. Following the covenant between God and his people at Sinai there was a covenant meal.

"Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up 10 and saw the God of Israel.... But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank" (Exodus 24:9-11).

C. The Passover meal also contains the idea of dining with God. The Israelites sacrificed a lamb for their Passover meal and were kept safe from the angel of death while the firstborn of the Egyptians were slain.
D. This idea of communing with God at his table was a key part of the sacrificial system of the temple. When they ate from the altar, it was as if God was sharing some of his food with them.

III. A Table of Reconciliation

A. The table represented a place of peace in biblical times. Afterward the meal, neither party was allowed to bring up the grievance again.
B. The post-New Testament church forbade members who were quarreling with each other to take part in the "Lord's Table" until they were reconciled.
C. God welcomes us into his family through the death of his Son, inviting us to sit down at his table and partake of the covenant meal.
D. Sin is not just an infraction of a set of laws but a terrible offense against our relationship with God.