Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Holy Qurbana: Table of Reconciliation 

Bible Reading:   2 Samuel 9: 1-13 

Key verse:  7

And David said to him Do not fear. I will show you  kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
(Psalm 23:5) 


DEVOTION

After a slew of victories over his enemies, King David asks “is there anyone left in the house of Saul, that I may show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”. This question was asked out of covenant love, a word given to Jonathan much earlier as we read in 1Sam: 20:14.  Mephibosheth, we learn, was living in Lo Debar-a name meaning "no pasture," which most likely, was a place of nothingness. Lame, fearful, and belonging to a defeated household, he had every reason to expect judgment, not mercy. When Mephibosheth came before the king, David's first words were "Do not fear." He was not just pardoned; he was given Saul's land, a seat at the royal table, and the status of a son. Verse 13 tells us he "ate at the king's table always" - not once, but continually. Mephibosheth could offer nothing in return to the king; no strength, no service, no resources. He was, however, given everything because of a promise kept and another person’s faithfulness.  This is symbolic of our participation in the Holy Qurbana. We, like Mephibosheth, come from our own Lo Debar - rejected, forgotten, broken, unworthy, unable to stand on our own. Yet Christ, through his blood of a new covenant, calls us not as strangers but as sons and daughters. Reconciliation is initiated by Christ, who remembers us, seeks us and restores us. At the table of Christ, our shame is not just taken away - it is exchanged for sonship! And this is a continual feast, offered "always," sustaining us as we grow in Him. 

PRAYER

 Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the price you paid to reconcile us to the Father. May we always remember what an amazing privilege it is to participate in your body and your blood, and to receive forgiveness for our sins. Thank you for your daily grace that enables us to be called children of God.  

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

        We are invited to the table of the Lord because the holy triune God initiated and made complete our reconciliation to Him. May we always remember this act of grace that gives us a seat at the royal banquet. 

 
Mrs. Sneha George, St.Mathews Marthoma Church, Milton, Canada 
 

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