The feature photo (above) is the “The Hall | Christ Church,” University of Oxford, Oxford, England.
Today, I want us to see the order and consistency of God. I hope it blesses you. In this world of chaos, we can’t live without God’s order and consistency.
Jesus shares a meal with the Israelite Elders
In Exodus, chapter twenty-four, we find God, most likely, preincarnate Jesus, confirming the covenant between Himself and Israel. God called Moses to represent Israel and seventy-three witnesses. The confirmation of the covenant took place on Mount Sinai. As part of this confirmation, the Israelite elders shared a meal with God:
Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, and they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. And he did not lay his hand on the chief men of the people of Israel; they beheld God, and ate and drank.
Exodus 24:9–11
Okay, so the meal was God’s idea and the Israelites saw God – not his face. I’d call this a meal with God. God held a celebration for the Mosaic covenant by inviting the witnesses to supper! The Israelites thereafter are called, “Children of the living God” Hosea 1:10. Now, let’s read about Jesus:
Jesus shares a meal with His Apostles
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Matthew 26:27–29
Jesus established the new covenant with the meal attended by His apostles – those that witnessed Christ’s earthly ministry. Since that time, we, as believers in Jesus, are called “children of God” John 1:12. And finally, we let’s read:
Jesus shares a meal with us
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready; – Revelation 19:7
And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” – Revelation 19:9
The marriage of Jesus and the Bride (the Church) is announced in verse seven, and then in verse nine we find that believers in Jesus are called as witnesses. The attendees of a wedding are witnesses to the vows. We are the Church, and we are the witnesses. Don’t let anyone tell you that the marriage supper of the Lamb is just symbolic or apocalyptic language. It is a marriage feast, but it also has a long history. God has a history of sharing a meal with His children during auspicious events. I’m going to be there. I hope you are prepared to be there, too!
Image by Alfonso Cerezo from Pixabay
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