(Further reflections on “Show No Partiality”—Sunday 26-June-2022)
In a law firm (and perhaps the same with other professions), if you are invited to have “a seat at the table,” you are honored to become a partner in business, for you have shown your caliber as well as your character and gained the trust of the board of directors and other partners in the firm. In the world, honor needs to be earned and maintained, based on one’s ability and strength. However, it is quite different in the kingdom of God.
In God’s kingdom, honor is given and kept, based on a covenant. The covenant can be between God-man as well as man-man. Among many other examples, we saw that Mephiboseth (cf. 2 Samuel 9:13) ate at king David’s table regularly. As we know, he was a lame man, a disabled person who cannot contribute or help anything for the king. Strongly put, he was useless to the king. Furthermore, Mephiboseth was also a grandson of the man, king Saul, who was trying to kill king David. In spite all of that, David honored the Lord by honoring the covenant between himself and Jonathan. David showed kindness to his dear friend, Jonathan’s son, Mephiboseth.
In Christ Jesus, those who believe and follow Him are invited to the table to have communion with Him. Before His death, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (cf. Matt 27:46)”. Perhaps those who were standing at the time did not have a full picture. But those who knew the Scriptures can later make a connection with Psalm 22:1, a psalm of David, who faced all kinds of powerful enemies. Understanding this connection will help us to appreciate Psalm 23 deeper, especially the concept of a table. We read, “You [the Lord] prepare a table before me [David] in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” The relationship between David and the Lord must be very close that he understood and had confidence in the covenant between him and God. When Jesus broke bread at the table with the disciples, the Lord prepared a table before them in the presence of the Enemy, Satan, who used Judas Iscariot in the plot to have Jesus arrested. And after the resurrection, Jesus once again appeared in the upper room while the disciples were at a table. On the road to Emmaus village, there were two disciples who did not recognize the newly resurrected Jesus until they invited Him to stay for a night. And “when He [Jesus] was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him (Luke 24:30-31).”
Having a seat at the table with God is an honor. And this is not because we are so able and had earned enough credentials and trust of God. In fact, we will never be able to measure up based on our self-made goodness or righteousness. If it is not because of the blood covenant God established with those who believe and live in His Son, Jesus Christ, no one will ever have a seat at the table with God. A seat at the table speaks of grace, love, mercy, honor, companionship, friendship, and fellowship in the presence of the King. As Christ’s followers, we all are honored to be at the table with the King of kings and Lord of lords, simply because of the blood covenant. Therefore, Christ’s followers are warned not to show partiality toward others, especially the poor (cf. James 2:1-7). Because if we do so, we are in a way dishonoring the Lord by being/acting like the (rich/wealthy) oppressors who blasphemed the honorable name [Jesus] by which we all were called (cf. James 2:7).
Showing no partiality toward others is honoring the Lord. Showing partiality will dishonor Him. This is why at the communion table, everyone who believes is invited regardless of his/her social/financial status. In Christ Jesus, every Christ’s follower, regardless Jews or Gentiles; rich or poor; has a seat at the table. This is God’s way of showing no partiality. Of which we are called to do the same.
May we live out what we have received and believed in. May the name of the Lord be honored in every area of our life with regards to showing no partiality.
Amen.
— Pastor Lap
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