Mess Hall with Jesus

The mess hall may be called the galley or chow hall or to be more formal, the dining facility.

The mess hall is usually not mistaken for fine cuisine but if you are like me, there are some mealtimes that bring back good memories of long talks and sharing stories. Meals during deployments and field exercises are especially memorable because they strengthen the camaraderie. Now you probably don’t recall what you ate at each meal, but you do remember the experiences of sitting and listening to friends.

Invitation to Dinner

Have you ever thought what it would be like to sit down at a meal with Jesus? That’s exactly what He wants—a good, long sit-down with Him. It’s the same invitation He gave a church long ago (with a warning).

And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: “The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (Rev. 3:14–17, 20)

Laodicea

This church left a bad taste in God’s mouth and the city’s circumstances provide a great word-picture for His evaluation. If you look up Laodicea in most Bible dictionaries, you will see that the city was short on water. In the local vicinity, there was hot water from the city of Hierapolis that was used for medicine, and cold water from the city of Colossae that was used for refreshment. But the aqueducts that brought water from both cities to Laodicea meant it was lukewarm upon its arrival. The church in Laodicea was like its water—useless.

Laodicea may have needed better water transportation systems, but they needed something else even more—a meal to reconnect with Jesus. He wanted them to sit-down and stay awhile. He wanted them to stop and enjoy a savory meal of talk and camaraderie. Jesus knew time spent with Him would lead them to become people who would in turn bring healing and refreshment to others.

Learn to Listen

Hearing from God doesn’t come naturally but when you develop a habit of listening to Him, He will transform you into an instrument of healing and refreshing to others.

So, when’s the last time you had a good long sit-down with Jesus? Take the time today to stop your busyness and listen to what He has to say. You may have to say “no” or reprioritize other important events and appointments, but you will be glad you made the time.