Room at the Table:

I remember being a kid, playing with my younger sister, and many days with shared toys. We loved to play with our Barbies, American girl dolls, and even Nerf Guns. Usually, though, we had our favorites in mind, and more often than not … they ended up being the same. Maybe we both wanted a certain bed for our makeshift American girl doll rooms, maybe we liked the same Barbie, or maybe the same clothes and shoes. 

We had to come up with a process to keep every game fair, since – as kids – sharing was unbeknownst to us. We would lay out all our options, play rock, paper, scissors, and whoever won would get the first pick. We went back and forth until there were no more options and our play time would begin. 

Lately in Bible time with the Lord, I have been reading through the book of Genesis; as God often does, He has put an image on repeat and I have noticed it time and time again throughout each chapter. Oh, and He also lined up this image perfectly with a book I’m reading, too. The image is a well. 

In biblical times, wells were used as a central meeting place to gather clean water for families and their livestock. They were often also seen as markers of God’s provision and thus, a place of honor and worship to Him (like when God provided the well for Hagar and Ishmeal in Genesis 21). 

When most of us think of biblical wells, we think of Jesus and the woman at the well in John chapter 4; He reveals Himself as the Messiah to the woman, acknowledges her sin, but also gives her immense grace and an invitation to accept Him as the Living Water. He presents Himself as the eternal well that would never run dry (John 4:13).

This is the main account touched on in the book I’m currently reading by Gretchen Saffles, “The Well-Watered Woman.” Many times, we think heavily about our personal encounter with Jesus, the Living Water, at what Saffles calls “the grace well.” Of course, our meeting and acknowledgment of Him as Savior – our salvation – is of utmost importance, but it is only the beginning. 

One part of the Christian walk that is often emphasized (and rightfully so) after someone accepts Christ into their heart is community, namely, the church. Of course we are meant to be in a Christ-centered community, edifying and building each other up, as Paul talks about (1 Thes. 5:11 and Eph. 2: 22). 

The church is meant to be a powerful, God-honoring place where Christians come together; but as with anything Kingdom purposed, the enemy will do his best to corrupt the space. Satan loves causing comparison, jealousy, bitterness, and anger to rise in the flesh-led part of God’s children. 

So, what does this mean for us? As God’s people, we have to have a certain level of awareness of the enemy’s tactics and be ready to counter his attacks with the truth of God’s word. 

In Genesis 29, right before the famous meeting of Jacob and Leah, Jacob comes to a well and begins talking with some nearby shepherds. (v.1- 4) He soon learns that the shepherds were waiting for other shepherds with their flocks to arrive before they rolled the stone away and allowed all the sheep to drink. Like sharing the toys with my sister, none of the flocks could begin drinking until they were all present, to maintain that level of fairness. It was also a source of commuity for the shepards and their sheep alike.

As I pictured this image in my mind though, I couldn’t help but feel like this sounded a little familiar. The stone was rolled away so that all the sheep had access to the water. The stone at the grave of Christ was rolled away so that we, the sheep of His flock, could have eternity with Him, the Living Water. 

Just as each and every sheep had a turn to drink from the well, each person who encounters the Gospel and experiences that distinct conviction of the Holy Spirit, has the opportunity to accept Christ as their Savior. It is simply saying yes to Him and inviting Him into your heart (Romans 10:9-13). 

As humans, we are guilty of running to different “wells,” different sources of water that seem like they will satisfy and yet, never do. Whether we know the best love or satisfaction that the world can offer, or we’re used to temporary fixes that leave us feeling empty, all of these pail in comparison to the One who loved you so much that He gave His life for you. He offers you victory, safety, peace, and joy to a capacity that this world could never offer. Will you run to Him today? Do you want to know how high, how long, how wide, and how deep Christ’s love for you truly is? He is waiting to show you. 

There is a unique spot for you at the table of Christ because you are unique and uniquely placed. Whatever feels unfulfilled in your life today, find your satisfaction in the friendship and ever-present help of Christ. He’s prepared a lovely banquet for His bride and there is a seat at His table, waiting for you. Come as you are. 

Ephesians 3: 17b-19 says, “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (NIV, emphasis added).

Be blessed friends! Prayers always,

Laci Rae