And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. - Ephesians 2:6
We can never get a re-creation of community and heal our society without giving our citizens a sense of belonging. - Patch Adams
Growing up, I had the blessing of big family, lots of aunts and uncles and cousins on both sides. Both my grandparents lived in the same town (my parents were high-school sweet hearts) so a visit for holidays was always a large gathering and the making of wonderful memories. Meals were banquets and of course, family style. There was always a seat at the table and an environment for me to be me; to play, listen to stories, be asked questions, enjoy and be enjoyed. I knew I belonged; there was always a seat at the table and it came with all the privileges of being in my family.
The wild and wonderful thing is I didn’t create that seat.. it was created for me. Arranged by the ones who loved me and expected me to sit in it... and if ever I wasn’t, they were disappointed, “Where’s Michael?”
Belonging, is something you feel, something you experience and something grand for the heart. Honestly, it is easy to take for granted, and it only takes a few moments in life when and where it isn’t offered or isn’t present that shoot your longing and desires through the roof represented by that ache of diminishment or that for some reason you're not enough to be included, wanted, arranged for. Somehow these moments make the seat at the table all the more cherished and all the more enjoyed.
God does us the honor and privilege of creating us a space, a place to be us. The Father gives us a seat at the table through the Son, Christ, where They know we truly belong. God has moved heaven and earth to make that invitation to a Redemptive Community—a place in His family.
I pray you know your place in the Kingdom, the seat that is yours and yours alone. This is the banquet table of the King and the celebration begins when you know you belong, continues when your seat is pulled back and you snuggle in, and goes on and on as we enjoy the company of Love and all those who are redeemed, restored, and re-created for the Life Everlasting. What a hope… what an honor.