A Memorable Trip and a Memorable Feast!

Have you ever had a special meal that was so remarkable that you still remember it years later? I had such a memorable feast back in 1978. Yes, I know you are doing the math — that was 45 years ago and probably long before you were born. But believe it or not, I can still picture every detail.

I was a reporter for a newspaper in west Texas. My friend Susan and I went on a road trip from Texas to California where I was scheduled to interview some “celebrities” and write about a new comedy coming to television called “WKRP in Cincinnati.” It was exciting to talk with the cast members and watch as the first episode was filmed (yes, filmed. That was in the “olden” days with huge floor cameras. Long before anyone ever heard of videotape).

It was such a fun trip. Susan and I were determined to feast on cheesecake at every place we stopped to determine who had the best one. But it wasn’t any of the cheesecakes I remember.

Such an Incredible Feast!

While in California, we stayed with my Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Al, who lived in Orange County. My uncle was an electrician who had several “famous” customers. One evening, they drove us around the area, showing us all these huge, beautiful mansions.

Unbeknownst to us, my uncle had made reservations at this elegant seafood restaurant near a yacht club overlooking the ocean. The view was breathtaking. The smells inside were divine.

He ordered each of us our very first lobsters and showed us how to eat them. These bright red creatures were huge, a bit intimidating, and came on china platters instead of plates. With bibs over our clothes and tools in hand, we learned how to extract every morsel of meat. We savored each sweet bite that melted in our mouths as we dipped them in the warm drawn butter. Oh, what an incredible feast it was! Our platters hardly had room for the huge baked potatoes crusted with sea salt and loaded with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and a mound of butter drizzling down the side. I was in pure heaven. It was a treat I never expected and a gift I still remember to this day.

My aunt and uncle are gone now, but the memory of that special feast and their gracious generosity still mean so much to me. It keeps them close to my heart.

A Majestic Feast — Greater Than I Can Imagine!

That reminds me of another feast we read about in Luke 14:12-14. The Master had planned an extravagant feast but did not invite his friends or important people in the community.  They could easily have returned the favor. Instead, he told his servants to invite the poor, the lame, the blind, and the needy because they could not pay him back. They would be more grateful and blessed.

Can you imagine that grand banquet and those guests feasting like they never had before? I can picture them all talking and laughing with pure joy on their faces. But also, so grateful to be there.

You see, dear one, we are those unworthy guests invited to a divine feast prepared for us. God’s heart so graciously and eagerly wants to bless us with a “spare-no-expense” feast at his table. This glorious table is laden with his sweet grace and mercy. It is a feast we don’t deserve, and it is one we can never repay.

Our Lord loves us with such lavish love, bountiful goodness, and sweet tender mercy. It’s ours to feast on every day! We just have to accept his invitation. His grace is extravagant, and there’s a seat at the table just for you. Come on, I saved you a spot next to me.

Prayer:

Dear Father, you didn’t have to invite us to your banquet. We certainly aren’t worthy, but we are so amazed that you set a special place at your table just for us. We gratefully accept your invitation to feast on your wonderful grace and mercy. Thank you, Father! In Jesus’ name, AMEN.