The Set Table
Are you at your seat? by Terrence G ClarkGod Sets
The word "set"---titheme--- in NT Greek—does not connect with the word tithe---which means "a tenth of" and "to give a tenth of" one's income to God. The tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving Day is largely marked by the set table. “Set”---includes the dinnerware on the table, meal placed upon the table, and the people who have been invited to the table. This Thanksgiving meal invitation of people may be made up of family, acquaintances, friends, partners, and sometimes rivals. The most significant invitations going to those in the community challenged by economic hardships. There’s been a lot of adjustments to bring about the current calendar date, but President George Washington proclaimed Thursday, November 26, 1789, as the official Thanksgiving Day holiday. It was to be a national day of giving thanks---a day to offer gratitude to God for his provisions, providence, protection, and promises. It was reminiscent of 168 years earlier when the European Pilgrims, with the help of the American Indians, survived their first years in the New World. The feast---at the table may vary by culture, but typically, if not a turkey at the centerpiece, there is bound to be somebody’s favorite on the menu. All in all, being thankful for what is on the table is not nearly as significant as being thankful for who is at the table. In a family, an organization, community, or church---thanksgiving, not just the holiday, should be a time of gratitude and recognition to God for whom he has set our tables. Some to appreciate may be more apparent. Others, seated around us, may take Holy Spirit revelation to unfold their true value. In 1 Corinthians 12:28---the Bible says God has set the table of the church--- And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. These offices, people, and their spiritual seating include everyone from those on the frontlines, to those who are in administration. Ephesians 4:11, talking about the same order, says these offices have been placed in the congregation, not for themselves, their glory, or glamour, but to help the church to grow---every member---into the fullness of what God has called to be. |
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It's Important To Know Your Seat
In the church congregation or a family at home, the name tags that identify seating do have relevance. Reciprocally, the labels on the table are not as important as the people seated in the respective chairs, knowing why they’re there. Similarly, the utensil, placed in order on the table, are not necessarily there for dietary importance, but a determined use.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NIV) reads, in a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
If there was ever a time for the church and its members, to know it God-ordained value and use---it’s now. As a gospel singer, I am called to sing at a lot of places---including funerals-homegoing services. I have watched, when I sing on the program, God changes the atmosphere in the place. This revelation is not arrogance on my part but me understanding my place. I know, along with other giftings on my life, my ministry is used to change the spiritual atmosphere in a place---house, church, city---to a condition where the glory of God may freely flow.
Amongst my family---of cousins, aunts, and uncles---one of my set of kin ---is anointed with infectious laughter. Everyone, in this segment of our family, when they laugh, pulls up a belly-gut-churn of mirth. By revelation, this gift of laughter on them has been set to break sadness and attract great harvest.
Although it is true, one idiosyncrasy of my sibs and I, we tell the jokes, but it’s my cousins the Corseys who are endowed with the laughter. I believe this is not because the genetic seed has randomly migrated, but rather where God has set the roots.
When every person in a family embraces their God-given place, that family will positively and instrumentally affect their community and the world. Conversely, it’s not only important for each person or sect to know their seat at the table, but also in godliness to be received by the others with whom they sit.
In the church setting, James---the Lord’s brother writes, in chapter 5:13-16 [paraphrased], if there are any sick within a body---call for the elders of the church. When the elders pray and anoint with oil---perform their appointed duties in the church family---healing will manifest. I believe this is not only true for the Ecclesia but each of its families as well.
God's calling to Father Abraham was that in him, and his children, all the families of the earth would be blessed. It’s this decree that is the heart of the Gospel. It is in this Word, Jesus Christ the Savior of the world (that is to all that would receive him) came.
In the church congregation or a family at home, the name tags that identify seating do have relevance. Reciprocally, the labels on the table are not as important as the people seated in the respective chairs, knowing why they’re there. Similarly, the utensil, placed in order on the table, are not necessarily there for dietary importance, but a determined use.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NIV) reads, in a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
If there was ever a time for the church and its members, to know it God-ordained value and use---it’s now. As a gospel singer, I am called to sing at a lot of places---including funerals-homegoing services. I have watched, when I sing on the program, God changes the atmosphere in the place. This revelation is not arrogance on my part but me understanding my place. I know, along with other giftings on my life, my ministry is used to change the spiritual atmosphere in a place---house, church, city---to a condition where the glory of God may freely flow.
Amongst my family---of cousins, aunts, and uncles---one of my set of kin ---is anointed with infectious laughter. Everyone, in this segment of our family, when they laugh, pulls up a belly-gut-churn of mirth. By revelation, this gift of laughter on them has been set to break sadness and attract great harvest.
Although it is true, one idiosyncrasy of my sibs and I, we tell the jokes, but it’s my cousins the Corseys who are endowed with the laughter. I believe this is not because the genetic seed has randomly migrated, but rather where God has set the roots.
When every person in a family embraces their God-given place, that family will positively and instrumentally affect their community and the world. Conversely, it’s not only important for each person or sect to know their seat at the table, but also in godliness to be received by the others with whom they sit.
In the church setting, James---the Lord’s brother writes, in chapter 5:13-16 [paraphrased], if there are any sick within a body---call for the elders of the church. When the elders pray and anoint with oil---perform their appointed duties in the church family---healing will manifest. I believe this is not only true for the Ecclesia but each of its families as well.
God's calling to Father Abraham was that in him, and his children, all the families of the earth would be blessed. It’s this decree that is the heart of the Gospel. It is in this Word, Jesus Christ the Savior of the world (that is to all that would receive him) came.
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