Discipleship Corner by Wendy Sykes
Heaven’s Bounty
Thanksgiving is less about the food on the table, and more about the people in the chairs. It’s a blessed gathering of the ones we hold dear—some we may not have seen for many months or perhaps even longer.
One sight that always lifts my heart during the holidays is seeing driveways packed full of cars, sometimes even spilling out onto the roadside. It just gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. I picture the cozy warmth of conversation, the brightness of bantering over inside jokes, and the nostalgic sharing of memories that never seem to fade.
It reminds me of the many heartwarming, burgeoning gatherings of the past, within my own large family of seven. Sadly, we have lost the majority of them, merely three of us (siblings) remain. Yet, because of heaven’s bounty, because of one broken, Bread Of Life body, we shall all feast together once more!
For those families whose numbers have likewise dwindled—especially for those whose grief is fresh and raw—when your gaze falls upon the presence of empty chairs, remember His promise of that glorious future feasting. Our tender, comforting, all-sufficient Christ draws especially close now, even as our loved ones are fully ensconced in His presence. He’s our bridge of lasting assurance, standing in the gap between us and our loved ones.
Christ fills that gaping hole of loss with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The very One that was promised to be with us before He ascended back to heaven. Jesus Christ knows well the pain of loss and grief, and He was unwilling to leave us bereft, without sending our sacred Comforter until His return.
For those whose homes remain full to overflowing with family, try to hold them a little tighter, linger a little longer, regale them again and again with your stories, and then give thanks for the beauty of family. It’s who we are; it’s who God created us to be: family, seated around His table.
Gracious Father,
When we recognize the love behind Your endless bounty of grace, holiness is brought to the table of a shared meal. Bless our every family, both large and small; may they feel Your presence in the gift of shared smiles and laughter, and in the gift of full tummies and restful sleep. Bind them together in Your love and safekeeping.
We bring to You our eternal praise and thanksgiving for Your endless, holy bounty—most lovingly expressed through the sacrifice of Your beloved Son. With You, there is no wayward child beyond forgiveness when it is asked of You. You never disown “works in progress”. What an amazing love! Bring peace to our families where there is brokenness, bring peace to a world that is fractured.
Thank you dear Lord, for the beauty of this church family whom You have knitted together. What rich meaning we gain for our lives as we Sabbath together—serving, singing, giving, learning, laughing, crying and praying together!
Loving Father, we are most thankful for our adoption into Your family; to know that Your desire is for us to be members of Your household throughout all of eternity.
In the precious name of Jesus, we give you thanks and praise! Amen.
Wendy Sykes
Discipleship Corner
