"Dinner For Two"

I have been reading my Bible through again this year. When I came to the passage of scriptures about the Old Testament Tabernacle, I became intrigued with this thought, "God wants to have a romantic dinner with us." He has a table (Shew Bread) prepared for us in the Holy Place. It even has the accent of candle lighting. How quaint is that!

1. Note where he came from...

God comes to us from the inner most court of the Tabernacle, the Holy of Holies. He is surrounded by bowing cherubim angels. He is the God of the covenant promise.

2. Note where we came from...

We come from the outer court. Somewhere beyond the outer gate. There is a dung hill, fire, and a burnt offering.

We cannot enter into the presence of God until we have been sprinkled by the blood and washed with holy water in the basin of the outer court.

3. Note where we meet...

We meet in the Holy Place. It is behind the wall. Behind the curtain. We come from the outer court and God comes from behind the veil of the Holiest of Holies. We meet at the sacred table of shew bread in the inner court. "Dinner for Two."

The context of today’s text from Luke 7.

The Pharisee said, (and I paraphrase) "Jesus does not know what is taking place at the dinner that I have prepared for him. He has allowed a sinful woman to wash his feet."

The truth is the Pharisee was the one who was blinded.

Has it ever occurred to you that the person that you are criticizing, may be a better Christian than you are?

Has it ever occurred to you that the person that you do not want to come to your "by guest only" dinner, should be regarded as highly as Christ himself?

Jesus knew the importance of this dinner. Mary Magdalene knew also knew of the beauty of this sacred moment. It was a "Dinner for Two." Jesus came from the Holiest of Holies, Mary came from the outer court. The met together at the Table of Shew Bread.

When we know who he is and when we know who we are...

1. You won’t be easily offended.

Mary paid no attention to the gossip and criticism of others. Her eyes were on Christ.

2. You will have a giving heart.

Mary broke open her most valuable possession and anointed her King, and washed his feet.

3. You will reside in the spirit of worship.

Mary pictures worship.

Let me conclude these thoughts with this much quoted verse:

(Rev 3:20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

How about making a date with Jesus. How accepting his invitation for dinner in the Holy Place?