There's Room at the Table -- If You Want There to Be

There was a wedding, attended by lots of folks connected to the bride, groom and their respective families via business relations, church membership, neighborhoods, and other ways. At the reception, Mr. & Mrs. Newbee staked out a table with other guests whom they knew. Upon leaving the the round table set for 10, to visit the buffet of sumptuous fare, Mrs. Newbee left her purse in her chair and Mr. Newbee left his hat in his.

Upon returning to "their" table, they found their chairs occupied by Mr. & Mrs. Ikkslusiv. Mr. Newbee's hat and Mrs. Newbee's purse had been placed on a ledge behind the Ikklusivs. As the Newbees stood, looking in wonderment, eyeing the empty chairs at the table, Mrs. Ikklusiv spread her arms wide and said these are all taken. Mrs. Newbee replied, yes, I know, they are ours. That's my purse and my husband's hat. And that sitting in front of you is my half-emptied water glass. Mr. Newbee leaned into his wife and said let's just find another table.

The Newbees turned around to the adjacent table, which was empty. They sat. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Barnabas approached. As Mr. Newbee looked up and saw Mrs. Barnabas, he began to explain how they had been displaced. Well, these are tall take -- but we can make this work. Before either of the Newbees could react, Mrs. Barnabas began shifting chairs around.

As the evening progressed Mrs. Newbee sat back and surveyed the very full table. Her husband was deeply engaged in conversation with Mrs. Barnabas. All around the table were smiles and lots of chatter. No one seemed uncomfortable. In fact, there seemed to be ample elbow room, and everyone appeared to be having a great time of fellowship and celebration at this wedding feast.

I really don't believe it necessary to say anything else here.

Thanks to Pastor Steve Wells, whose dissection of Galatians 2:11-4 yesterday evening, prompted me to make this record of a true incident which happened not too long ago.

And I'm tempted to ask one question -- okay -- a compound question: Who is it that you would exclude from the table, and who would exclude you?