Many years ago it was pointed out to me that there are three types of people . . . those who make things happen . . . those who recognize when things are happening . . . and those who look around with a confused look on their face and say, “What happened?” In my 9-to-5 world we often talk about the importance of being part of making things happen . . . or, as we sometimes say, of having “a seat at the table.” It’s less a status thing than it is a strategic thing . . . if you want to make a difference in an organization, you need to be where the decisions are being made. It takes a lot to get a seat at the table in the business world . . . and most who get that seat, do so because they deserve it. This morning, though, I was reminded of a different type of table . . . not one with seats, but one that is reclined at . . . it’s a table of decision makers, sort of . . . but those at this table, know they don’t deserve it . . .

“I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven . . .”   – Jesus (Matthew 8:11 ESV)

Context . . . Jesus goes to Capernaum . . . a Roman centurion (aka “bad guy” for most Jews) comes and pleads before Jesus on behalf of one his servants who is paralyzed and suffering terribly (aka “bad guy” with a good heart). Jesus, probably to the shock of those who followed Him, says that He’ll go to the Gentiles house and heal the servant . . . to a Gentile’s house . . . do I hear a good Jew crying “unclean?” But the centurion tells Jesus that he’s not worthy to have Jesus come under his roof (aka “bad guy” with a humble attitude) . . . that, as one who commands a garrison of men himself, he understands how authority works and know that all Jesus really needs to do is to say the word and his servant will be healed (aka “bad guy” with great faith).

Now, I don’t normally think of the God of wonders, wondering . . . or the Creator and Sustainer of all things, marvelling . . . hasn’t He kind of seen it all? Evidently not. For Matthew records that “when Jesus heard this, He marveled” . . . when Jesus heard the centurion’s humble confession and expression of faith, it was something that even the Son of God had to respond to with wonder-filled admiration. And to such a one as this . . . a Gentile Roman soldier (kind of 3 strikes in most Jewish people’s books) . . . Jesus said, You have a seat at the table.

There will be a table set in the kingdom of heaven. You sense that it’s a table of feasting . . . perhaps it refers to the table set for the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9). Regardless, it’s a table of distinguished guests . . . of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And, it’s a table of decision makers . . . those, like the centurion, who decided to place their faith and trust in this Jesus of Nazareth. It will be a mixed table . . . a table of Jew and Gentile, of those from all the nations — those from the east and west. Ultimately, it will be a table occupied by “bad guys” with “new hearts.”

No one there deserving of a place at the table based on their own merit . . . no one boasting of their capabilities or the value they bring to the table . . . but all boasting this “faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1Tim. 1:15). Sinners redeemed by grace . . . lost sheep reclaimed by a merciful Shepherd . . . prodigal sons and daughters wooed home by a loving Father . . . those spiritually dead, and with hearts of stone, regenerated and given hearts of flesh, with the knowledge of God and the truth of His Word written on them, through the abiding Spirit of God . . . people of faith who are invited to occupy a seat at the table.

What a day that will be!

By God’s grace alone! . . . For God’s glory alone!