ROOM AND BOARD
READ:
John 14:1-11
I go to prepare a place
for you. –John 14:2
On a recent trip to
England, my wife and I visited Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in
Stratford-upon-Avon. The house is more
than 400 years old, and it was the childhood and family home of William
Shakespeare’s wife.
The tour guide drew our
attention to a table made with wide boards.
One side was used for eating meals and the other for chopping food. In English life, different expressions grew from
this usage as the word board became
associated with food, housing, honesty, and authority. An in would offer “room and board” –that is, sleeping and eating accommodations. In taverns where customers played cards, they
were told to keep their hands “above
board” to make sure they weren’t cheating.
And in the home, the father was given a special chair at the head of the
table where he was called “chairman of
the board.”
As I reflected on this, I
thought about how Jesus is our “room and
board.” He is our source of
spiritual nourishment (John 6:35, 54); He empowers us to
live a life of integrity (14:21); He is our loving Master (Philippians
2:11); and He is even now preparing our eternal home. He promised:
“I go to prepare a place for you”
(John
14:2;
see also 14:1-4, 23). His grace
has provided our everlasting room and board. –Dennis Fisher
Pardon for sin and a peace
that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to
cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and
bright hope for tomorrow-
Blessings all mine, with
ten thousand beside. – Chisholm
***********************************************
Christ meets our needs now and for eternity.
INSIGHT
John 13-17 records Jesus’ “farewell” speech, His last words to
His disciples just hours before His crucifixion. Jesus spoke to humble and loving service
(Ch.13), of heaven (ch.14), of what it takes to be His disciple (ch.15), and of
the Holy Spirit (chs. 14, 16). His
speech culminated in a prayer for His disciples (ch.17).
Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator’s Love
Always
Unity & Peace
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