Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it, give it to them disciples and said, “Take, eat, this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I will drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Matthew 26:26-30

In the motion picture, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, the late Debbie Reynolds portrayed Molly who is just itching to be accepted and received into high society of Denver. Her husband Johnny had amassed a fortune mining, so they had the wealth. Molly and JJ were like ducks out of water because they did not have the education and the manners to join the Sacred 76. Molly and JJ crash a dinner party hosted by neighbor Gladys McGraw. They have come without an invitation. Molly peers through the windows to see what they do when they sit down to eat. The butler at his employer’s insistence first closes the windows and then draws the draperies to escape Molly’s staring. It doesn’t really matter to JJ but Molly wants to belong!

In today’s hymn, Look Who Gathers at Christ’s Table, we learn the weeping and the laughing will be welcomed to Christ’s table. We are reminded that Simon Peter, who thrice denied Jesus, is there. Saul, who later became Paul, who persecuted Christians and the early church, is there. Could you name someone that you would be surprised to see at Christ’s table? How comfortable would you be to find yourself seated by this person? How might you feel if at first your name appeared to be missing from the guest list? How comfortable might you be to find yourself seated between the most perfect Christians to your left and right?

Today’s scripture points out that Christ’s blood was poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. If our name is on the guest list, it is only because Christ’s body was given, and Christ’s blood was shed for us!

Prayer

Most Gracious Host, thank You for inviting us to Your table. Keep us mindful that it is only by Your grace that we are guests. Nourish us with this spiritual food that we might be strengthened for Your service. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.