God’s table.  Exodus 25:23-30

• Dimensions of God’s table 3 feet long, 1.5 feet wide, and 2.25 feet high.
• Plates, dishes, pitchers, and bowls of pure gold.
• This table was to be placed before God.
• The Bread of the Presence was to be on the table at all times.
  • The bread was replaced each Sabbath (the day of worship) with freshly baked hot bread.
  • There were 12 loaves placed on two plates, each stacked with six loaves.

Bread of the Presence.

• Shewbread (def.)- “shew” is to cause or permit. ISBE
• Literal phrase in Hebrew- “bread of the face” a truly “present” connotation.
• The table and smell of bread before the Lord is not only permission to come near but is meant to cause you to come near.
• Symbolizes that “life is dependent on God’s sustaining presence.” ISBE

Jesus is the Bread of Life.  John 6:48-51

• Jesus has become the living bread. (48)
  • He is the presence of God manifested before the world.

• He is the new table before God. (50)
  • We participate in the table of remembrance that recalls him as the bread of life and the atoning sacrifice for sins.
  • This bread does not have to be replaced. He is the aroma of God.

• He is the cause and the permission to come near to God.
• He comes in presence to give life. (51b) 

Your table of presence. Matthew 9:9-13

• Use your table as an invitation to draw near. (10)
  • Who you are is hard to hide at your table.
  • It opens dialogue.
  • It softens hard hearts.

• Opportunity to be “salt” and “light.” 

Matthew 5:13-16 ¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

• It is for the greater purpose of the soul. (13)

Practicing hospitality begins with a welcoming spirit.

• This begins at home by welcoming others to come to your table.
• Should shine most brightly in God’s house— inviting to and welcoming others at your church.
• A hospitable spirit should go wherever your feet take you. Let others come near.