Come and Dine, the Master Calleth, Come and Dine

An Allegory

A certain rich man, desiring to do something good for his family, hired a great banquet hall and prepared a sumptuous feast for all of the large group. From the North, South, East and West he brought the best that merchants had to offer. For days he spent all his time preparing the feast. Finally everything was done, the invitations were sent, and the time has finally come. The appointments are perfect and the food delicious. Besides that, we will love and be loved at this gathering.

The appointed hour is seven, but everyone knows it won't really get started until eight or so, so we'll plan to arrive at seven-thirty. After all, it's not considered sophisticated to be the first guest to enter.

What a surprise to enter the banquet hall only a few minutes late to find several guests already seated and eating. Nevertheless, we are promptly received and made to feel welcome. With regret our Host informs us, however, that we have missed the soup course. But never mind, the salad is just being brought to the table. Come, and dine!

What a wonderful salad, crisp and tasty! What are all those delicious flavors? Some are familiar, but there are a few that we have never experienced before. Sort of makes one wonder what that soup might have been like. Oh, well .

Looking around we see that there are lots of empty seats. Were some guests not able to come? Or are some just so late that they are missing this excellent course? Ah, yes! Just as the salad dishes are removed and the servers begin to bring in the fish course, a group of people arrive. In fact, they are just in time to interrupt the servers in their duties. But the Host seems not to notice. "Come in, come in", He cries. "Join us. You are just in time for the fish. I'm sorry about the soup and the salad. They are already gone. But come! Come and dine!"

This course is unbelievable. We've never tasted fish like this. What is it? An import? Some new variety? Our Host must have searched the whole world for it. Or the universe, maybe?

Can it be that there are still guests to come? We've enjoyed this course immensely, and are looking forward to the entree'. As the servers are removing our dishes and beginning to bring in some large, covered serving dishes, more guests arrive. One of them even dares ask if he couldn't have just a little taste of the fish along with his entree'. The Host is very apologetic, but it seems that everything left over is being taken out to the poor even as it is removed. There simply isn't any. "But come in! Come and dine!"

We're well into a dish we have never experienced before when there is a flurry of activity. Someone is coming in breathless and sharing apologies and a story about unavoidable hindrances. Our ever-gracious Host, however, tries to make the latecomers feel at ease. "Sorry, but the only thing left is this small portion, but please, please, enjoy it. Come and dine!"

And so, on through a dessert beyond one's wildest imaginings. What a meal! Strangely, quite a few feel less than satisfied. It will be a wonder if they don't go away complaining that they just didn't get what they expected out of this meal. They forget quickly that they missed a portion of it by their tardiness. But those who have been here from the beginning leave feeling at peace with the world and with each other.

Actually, the hour for this feast is ten-thirty. But everything else is as related in this parable. Our Host has prepared this meal at great expense (His blood) and served it with tremendous effort (His pain and suffering). And He has bidden us come to the table.

The repast opens with Praise. Every tidbit is precious.

The next course is Worship.

Often, then, there is Prophetic Utterance.

And the Word, which nourishes, enlightens and strengthens.

For dessert there is a time of Prayer and Fellowship.

Our Host is gracious. He won't be angry if we're late for the meal.

But think what we miss!