On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.” vs. 6
Isaiah 25:6-7
For a long time, back in the days when pot-lucks were regularly held at churches, a familiar table prayer would be sung before the meal. “Be present at our table, Lord, be here and everywhere adored. These mercies bless, and grant that we, may feast in paradise with thee. Amen.” Sometimes the simple singing of the song, replete with every imaginable harmony and a drawn out Amen, was enough to bring tears to our eyes and joy to our hearts. The words, composed around 1741, bring to mind the vision painted by Isaiah. Even then, long before the resurrection of Jesus, the prophet imagined that one day the Lord would make a banquet of the finest food and drink, and that all peoples would be invited, and death would be no more. Today is All Saints’ Day, and for many Isaiah’s words provide the perfect way to picture the life that is to come. Some of our most memorable times with living loved ones are connected to eating and drinking, and to imagine that the saints triumphant are at table in the feast to come brings amazing peace and comfort. We do know that in Christ life continues after death–and if we’re looking for ways to describe it, we might as well use the most delightful images we can muster!
Thought for the Day: Favorite memories of meals with loved ones!
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