Mother's Day: Come to the Table

Come to the Table

Pastor Joy Berg

1. Come to the table: The Original Invitation

Genesis 1:26-28, The Message

"God spoke: 'Let us make human beings in our image, make them
    reflecting our nature
So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea,
    the birds in the air, the cattle,
And, yes, Earth itself,
    and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.'
God created human beings;
    he created them godlike,
Reflecting God’s nature.
    He created them male and female.
God blessed them:
    'Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!
Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air,
    for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.'"

2. Come to the table in Jesus

Hebrews 4:14-16, The Message

"Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help."

3. Come to the table...and MAKE ROOM! 

Isaiah 25:6-8, God’s Word Translation

"On this mountain the Lord of Armies will prepare for all people
a feast with the best foods,
a banquet with aged wines,
with the best foods and the finest wines.
On this mountain he will remove
the veil of grief covering all people
and the mask covering all nations.
He will swallow up death forever.
The Almighty Lord will wipe away tears from every face,
and he will remove the disgrace of his people from the whole earth.
The Lord has spoken."

The heart of the gospel is laying down power and setting aside privilege. 

At the tables where you are already seated... Make room!

Discussion Questions:

1. How do we make room for those who have been marginalized and kept from the table?

2. In our marriages... how do you need to readjust and shift so there is equal space for your partner?

3. How does this affect the next generation? The young women and men who are learning from us how marriage, relationships, and leadership should look like?