Come to the Table: Part 3 - Environmentally Friendly?

This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC Online services. Once you have watched the video, we encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.

To listen to the talk click here.
 
Readings:

Luke chapter 14 verses 7 - 11 (New Living Translation)

When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honour near the head of the table, He gave them this advice: “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honour. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table!
“Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honoured in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”


 

Prayer & Reflection

Father God, we confess our wrongdoing and say sorry for when we’ve gone against Your will and in our pride soiled the environment of our lives. Lord please forgive us and cleanse us and let us know your forgiveness and cleansing. Wash us clean again dear Lord. Father, Keep us humble and help us by your Spirit to have a personal environment that is good and pleasing to you, and into which Jesus will step as we invite people in.
Psalm 36 says -
5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
    your justice like the great deep.
    You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house;
    you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
    in your light we see light.
10 Continue your love to those who know you,
    your righteousness to the upright in heart.
Thank you Father for your surpassing love and for inviting us to your banquet table. In Jesus’ name. Amen.



Questions to Consider

1. Can you remember a time when you have hosted invited guests? How did you go about preparing for them?
2. What one thing could you/will you do to ensure that you overcome these distractions?
3. Think back over the past 12 months. In what way(s) specifically have you been ‘salt and light’ to your family/friends/community? What more can you realistically do?
4. Would your family and friends describe you as an ‘attractional witness for Jesus’? (or words that mean the same thing) If you don’t know, ask them!
5. What’s your sense-check on the question of pride vs humility within yourself? Is there a recent interaction when you might have let ego get in the place of humility?