Come as You Are

As a child, I remember sitting at the “kid’s” table at family functions. As an adult, I understand now that it’s a numbers thing, when there’s too many people for everyone to sit at the dining room table. But as a kid, I always felt like I wasn’t wanted at the “grown-up” table…too messy, too chatty, too rambunctious, whatever.  

I’d like to think that if Jesus were invited to a family dinner, He’d choose to sit with the children, but we know He’s not afraid to sit with the adults, each with their own secrets, baggage, and sin. We read about Jesus eating dinner with Zacchaeus, a tax collector who’d stolen from the people. When the Pharisees questioned Jesus why he hung out with sinners, He replied, “It is the sick people who need a doctor, not those who are healthy.” Jesus is a King, He is royalty, so in our mind, we might picture Him at a long table, with other royalty surrounding Him, sharing an elaborate feast and fine wine, but instead, He chose to consort with those who are “sick,” the sinners; the ones who were hungry and thirsty…those who could learn and benefit from His presence and wisdom.  

In the song, Come to The Table, by Sidewalk Prophets, it says Jesus doesn’t turn away any of His children from joining Him at the table. You don’t have to be perfect to be in the presence of the King. Just the opposite, everyone who has also received the beautiful invitation will come with all their sins and sorrows too. He wants you just as you are, He wants you to be set free from whatever is keeping you from Him. Won’t you come to the table today to partake of the blessings waiting for you?