Three Meals

In my morning read the Spirit seemed to bring focus to the message behind mealtimes.

"He prepares a table before me...", words captured by the Psalmist ascribing this daily desire as sovereign in design. Yes, our physiology eagerly awaits such intake each morning, hunger being an emotion that all can identify with, some of us more than others.

The Jewish calendar is even built around elaborate feasts, as

celebration seems to be a characteristic of the Creator. We the people designed gloriously and such that the message of meals not be lost.

The Seder meal celebrated at Passover was what brought the disciples around Jesus as he prepared their minds for the moment when the true Lamb would be sacrificed.

That Thursday night meal had been built around redemption, their ancient Exodus moment, the intimacy of family and community. It would become a sacrament celebrated among Christians within the Early Church and has continued for centuries by way of bread and wine.

Yet, one of those, likely most energetically engaging that evening, Peter, Petra the Rock, the one who swore never to forsake the Lamb would soon deny Him. Not once, but three times as the cock crowed in the background.

We all have our rooster moments, thus the need for this second meal, prepared by the resurrected Lamb on the seashore shortly after Peter had returned to his former vocation. Yes, the smell of fish cooking over an open fire drifted out to the boat, along with a voice, "Caught any fish?"

Peter likely again walked, no ran upon the water having recognized grace in the voice of the One whom he had earlier blasphemed.

This second meal was all about grace and recovery, a meal we all often find ourselves in need of, regardless of previous moments of well intended commitments to the faith!

The third meal I'll reference was actually served first, and was the most inclusive. Five loaves and two fishes (there may be a message here for us red meat lovers), the meager meal packed for a child transformed in a way so as to feed 5000. Then later, replicated for seven thousand.

Unlike the sacrament of communion, or the fireside fish, this meal was for anyone and everyone. Hear inclusion and in fact, the idea of exclusion may be more our design than the God of the galaxies.

The interesting thing about both of the earlier fish and loaves moments, there were plenty of left overs!

There is a distinct message in each of the three meals, though the common message in all: "Come and dine, the master calleth!"