A Banquet Table

In Be Transformed and The mind of Christ posts, we established the Biblical methods of renewing the mind.  This involves the replacement of pre-existing ways of thinking, programed and inherited from birth onward, with the truth of God’s word.  This is a continual process until the heart (subconscious mind) entirely lines up in agreement with the mind of Christ. (see Eph 4:13 NIV)

 

We recognized that the world and our surrounding environment is constantly sending us messages. Repeated, consisted, messages become permanently embedded in the subconscious mind (biblically the heart).   Directly inclining the way, you act, think, and feel.   

 

 It was also noted that The Word, has the same ability to impact the heart.  It cleanses from prior developed “wrong thinking”, and nourishes it with “right thinking”.   Previously, we used the terms “God data” replaces “world data”.  

 

Thus, we have identified two major spheres of influence on the heart: “Godly” or “worldly”.  

 

It is no wonder that the Bible states:

 

Keep thy heart with all diligence (Pr. 4:23 KJV)  and  Above all else, guard your heart (NIV)

 

Implying that you have the ability to control what you allow to come in.  Scripturally, this concept is closely identified with food. You can eat healthy food that will nourish your physical being or you can eat unhealthy food that essentially deuterates your physical being.  In the same manner, good spiritual food will nourish and sustain, while other will likely waste away and destruct.  Just as food and water is a daily essential for your physical survival, likewise your spiritual (inner) man requires nourishment to live.  

 

Similarly, the above-described major spheres of influence are represented throughout scripture in the form of Godly or worldly banquet tables.  

 

Matthew 22, Jesus shared a parable of the heavenly father, whom prepared a large banquet table, signifying spiritual food, for his guests.  Yet they disregarded this invite, as they were too busy entertaining temporal tasks and pursuits.  

 

2 Samuel 9, discloses another story of a certain man named Mephibosheth, who humbly accepts such invite. Direct descendent of Saul, a poor lame man, summoned by a Godly king David, into the palace:

 

And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied.  “Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness… and you will always eat at my table.  (2 Sam. 9 :7 BSB)

1 Kings 18 makes reference to a group of false prophets who partook of the evil queen Jezebel’s table:

 

…the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table. (v 19)

 

 

We are also all too familiar with Daniel.  A young Hebrew, taken captive into a foreign culture and kingdom.  Carefully examine the first chapter.  Daniel was summoned to eat of the Babylonian King’s table (worldly).   

 

The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years… (Da. 1:5 ESV)

 

… whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. (v 4)

 

… But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank.  (v 8)

 

… In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. (v 20)

 

Notice how the terms: teach, wisdom, understanding, and learning are used interchanging with the terms: diet and meat throughout the chapter. Later Daniel reveals the source of his learning (spiritual diet):

 

Blessed be the name of God…, For wisdom and might are His… He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding… who hast given me wisdom and might (Da. 2:20-22)

 

 

You see, the same invite stands today, God the father invites all believers:

 Stop letting the world shape and mold your heart.  Come, get away with me, and feast on my word.

 

 

I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet (Matt 22:4 BSB)

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting Texts:

 

You prepare a table before me… (Ps. 23:5 NIV)

 

Can God really prepare a table in the wilderness? (Ps. 78:19 BSB)

 

The meek shall eat and be satisfied: (Ps. 22:26)

Give us this day our daily bread. (Matt. 6:11 KJV)