You’re Invited!
As we wrap up our study on Proverbs 15, let’s look one step closer to the “continual feast” that is promised to the cheerful of heart...
“All the days of the afflicted are evil,
But the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.”
Proverbs 15: 13-15
By looking at Jesus’ life on Earth as recorded in the Gospels, we can tell that meals were particularly important to Him. Over and over again Jesus shares meals with the people He encountered. He had big meals (the feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew 14), and He hosted small meals with His disciples (Mark 14). Meals in this culture were not like our meals today. There were no fast-food drive-thrus. Meals were something to be enjoyed, and people took their time when they ate. The proper posture when sharing a meal in Jesus’ day would have been to recline at the table. There is nothing fast about reclining, and I think Jesus knew there is nothing fast about relationships.
This makes me think of a meal my husband and I shared on our Honeymoon. We had been gifted a meal by some of our family friends who had been to the resort we were going to. They couldn’t wait for us to try their favorite restaurant, Zozo’s. On the island of St. John, Zozo’s is perched on top of historic sugar mill ruins. Circular in shape and open air in structure, we enjoyed a beautiful view of the ocean and a 5-star meal. Our meal lasted for almost 3 hours and we enjoyed EVERY minute of it. To this day, this is one of my favorite and most cherished memories with my husband.
Good meals take time; so do good relationships. The “continual feast” described in Proverbs 15 encourages us that our relationship with Jesus is what allows us to have a “cheerful heart”. It makes me think of what Jesus says:
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20
Jesus wants to share a meal with us. For now, this doesn’t mean a physical meal but is referring to the time we get to spend with Him. He desires for us to open the doors of our homes and the corners of our hearts and to truly know Him through genuine relationship. Our relationship with Jesus should be less like a fast food drive-thru and more like a 3 hour meal at Zozo’s.
One day, we will eat a meal with Him in person. In Revelation, we are promised that we will join together in an eternal feast, a “continual feast” that will last forever- the marriage supper (feast) of the Lamb. It will be the most grand and elaborate feast we have ever attended or imagined.
A “continual feast” reminds us of the eternal nature of the promise we have from God. Yes, Jesus wants to know us now and He wants us to know Him, but he also desires to know us and be with us for eternity. I have great news for you today… You are invited! Jesus has extended an invitation by his death on the cross and resurrection from the dead to all who will believe in Him. He says,
“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Revelation 19:9
I repeat: You’re Invited! And it is the greatest invitation that you have ever received!
Will you accept it? Will you RSVP that you will be there? I am convinced that our Joy and Cheerfulness are rooted in understanding eternity. When we have an eternal perspective, we know that what we face here on earth is only temporary. Heaven is going to be so much more than gold streets and pearly gates. Earthly riches will fade in the presence of our eternal God. Gold will lose it’s shine in the great light of God’s presence. Our eternal promise is that we get to be with God. Forever. This promise alone gives us reason to be cheerful for all of the days we spend on earth.
Prayer:
Jesus, please help me to keep an eternal focus. I know the things of the world will fade away as I turn my eyes upon you. Help me to value relationship with you above all else. To not equate my relationship with you to a drive-thru, but when I spend time with you may I slow down, still my heart, and truly take time to get to know you. I know my cheerfulness is rooted in your presence.
