February 5 “Our Kitchen Table” 2 Corinthians 9:12-13
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,” (2 Corinthians 9:12-13)
I had the privilege and the blessing of being brought up in a tight-knit rural environment. The community kids thought that my house was their extended home. Our kitchen table became a sort of altar, where, actually, everyone could come, get fed and share their issues and their joys. My dear Mother was the “Storybook” example of genuine southern hospitality! That kitchen table was the place of comfort and guidance and love. Mama was a great cook, and her reputation was well known. My friends could smell when she would make her famous “bread pudding!” Amazingly, I would “all of a sudden,” have all kinds of friends. Mama always made everyone feel welcome in our home. She had a way of making my friends feel comfortable and safe. I recall one event that actually defined Mama’s ministry around the “altar” of an old red and chrome kitchen table. One of my friends, I will call him Brad, was having issues in his home and in his life. His parents were continually fighting and having adult issues and it made their homelife intolerable. The issues intensified and where did Brad go? That’s right … he went to the “Kitchen Table” and he shared the issues with “Miss” Barbara. Mama, guided by the Holy Spirit, gently and confidently shared the Love of Christ, and guided my friend into an awareness of Hope. The Hope was found in Christ Jesus! Just think about it … I would come home and there would be a host of friends and even strangers, gathered around our kitchen table, consuming Mama’s cakes, and cookies and, at the same time, getting a dose of her Love and Wisdom. I could expand and share many true confessions that were made around that table; yet the message of the Kitchen table was made clear and plain to me. Mama would tell me, over and over, “You must witness for Jesus right where people are!” That table has long since been gone, and Mama has made her graduation to Glory, but the witness that she lived and the message of Hope that was found around that table, inspired, altered, and directed many lives. My life was one of those! By the way, Brad went on to be a productive man, with a beautiful family and he would share the story of a loving lady and the Red & Chrome Kitchen Table! Dear Friends, pay attention …. We are to witness and share Jesus and we are to make a difference, right where we are! Daddy had the “Pulpit,” but Mama had the “Kitchen Table!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!