Danny Fourie

Wisdom has built her house; she has set upits seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, ‘Let all who are simple come to my house!’ To those who have no sense she says, ‘Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.’  Proverbs 9:1-5

Who can enjoy this meal? Listen to the servants of wisdom. They invite bad and senseless people. They are people who have little knowledge of how to serve God. These are the people who are invited. Just like Jesus invited the tax collectors and sinners to his table.

Wonderful, yet varied companions take their seats at wisdom’s table. Sinners, those who are indifferent, worthless, fraudsters, and loafers. One would suspect that those gathered around the table should at least have tried to change their lives, and rectify it. Apparently the sinners may come to the table as they are. Nobody has to change his or her life or rectify it. On every seat there is a notice: reserved for sinners. People who think about themselves along these lines, may come in free of charge. Isn’t Jesus a wonderful host?

It is interesting to see that the servants call from high places in order that everybody, even those who are far off, can hear. Though they may not be far literally, they may be far figuratively speaking; sceptical about Jesus. Just like the tax collector who stood far off, sceptical about Jesus and his gospel (Luke 18:13).

The people who take their seats to eat and drink, receive precious food. Food of reconciliation and forgiveness; of recovery and renewal. And of eternal life. At this table there is enough. The cup overflows (Psalm 23:5).

There is joy at the table. The wine causes hearts to rejoice. There is something festive in the wine. There is a geniality among the guests who probably do not even know one another. But they feel at home and welcome.

After the meal the guests get up – filled with amazement. They can continue their life’s journey. A grateful song rises from their hearts and they sing: ‘For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.’ (Psalm 52:9)

Prayer: Lord, your hospitality overwhelms us. Thank you that this richly laden table reminds us of the spiritual food that you have prepared for us. Help us to live from this generous provision that you prepare daily – of reconciliation and forgiveness, of recovery and renewal. Amen.