Come to the Table

Mic Jagger provided humanity with a fitting theme song when he sang, "I can't get no satisfaction."* If we are honest, isn't this a tune that has matched our heart's beat at some time in our life, if not daily? Looking for something, someone, anything that will satisfy, but left wanting something more. Our quest for contentment is in vain if we are seeking our fill from this world.

Isaiah is a book written to a nation who once closely walked with God but had forgotten his faithfulness, searched for fulfillment in other gods, and lost hope in their pursuit of things apart from Him.

Isaiah lays God's message down with boldness and grace. This section has always silenced the noise I so often fill my life with.

Come, all you who are thirsty,

come to the waters;

and you who have no money,

come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

without money and without cost.

Why spend money on what is not bread,

and your labor on what does not satisfy?

Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,

and you will delight in the richest of fare.

Give ear and come to me;

listen, that you may live.  (Isaiah 55:1-3) 

His message goes on to say that God's thoughts are different than ours, that He is ready to rescue people if they will just turn to Him, that His plans and purpose for His people will prosper. 

This passage was written for Israel thousands of years ago, but when I read it, I feel God's message speaking straight to me:

"Madi, are you thirsty? Are you hungry? You are dining at all the wrong tables. You are paying full-price for a meal but are scrambling for crumbs under the table when I have prepared a feast for you in the presence of your enemies. You are spending so much of your time, of yourself, on things that will never satisfy you."

Friends, this passage speaks for itself. No "rest" we imagine and seek out will ever satisfy us like the love and presence of God himself, who satisfies our desires with good things. No amount of smooth days at work, or affirming comments on Facebook, or whip-cream topped coffee, or finished books, or new dresses, or homemade dinners, or items crossed off our "to-do" list, or well-behaved children, or adventures had, or desired relationship, will fill us up quite like His presence.

Any busy, stressful, full day that starts with dining at His table of truth is better than a thousand summer days lounging away, seeking satisfaction in fleeting things, that are not bad in and of themselves, but will leave us feeling empty.

The good news? This satisfaction is available for all. It won't cost you a thing, besides the willingness to pull up your chair. The King of Kings has already set the table, prepared the meal with you on His mind, and can't wait to dine with you as you set your burden down.

The menu? His goodness. His love. A contentment the world cannot offer you.

Take a deep breath this Sunday. Have a seat. Silence your mind. And eat at His table.

May you be truly satisfied. 

-Madison

*I borrowed the allusion to this song from my campus pastor, Kent Kersey, from Corban University.