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Pastor · Sunday Schedule · FBC
News
2003
From the Pastor
THE BANQUET
(A fictional conversation between the Lord and First Baptist)
And the Lord said, “We have been together a very long time.”
I said, “Yes, we have.”
“It has been 150 years,” the Lord said.
“Unbelievable,” I said.
“No,” said the Lord, “faith and love is what did it.”
“Thank you Lord, thank you. I know it was Your faithfulness toward us and Your Love for us.”
“I think we should have a party to celebrate,” said the Lord.
“A party?” I was a bit dumbfounded. “What kind of party?”
“A big party. Haven’t you ever heard of My Son and the wedding feast in Cana and the magnificent banquet in heaven that awaits you - that kind of party.”
“Well, yes, but...”my voice trailed off.
“You have been my servants for 150 years. I want to celebrate the work we’ve done together. I want you to feel the joy of your own faithfulness. I want you to be inspired for the next 150 years.”
“Well, Lord, how about a pot luck?” I asked.
“Oh, I love pot lucks,” said the Lord, “but not this time. I want us to all be together without anyone having to be in the kitchen or to clean-up afterwards. I want us all to be in the banquet hall together.”
“Wow, Lord, you are thinking very big.”
“I always do,” said the Lord.
“But, Lord, there is still so much work in Your Name to be done.”
“I know, but that doesn’t mean it is all work. Remember I created the Sabbath. I also created festivals for singing and dancing, remembering and dreaming.”
“So, Lord, what I hear you saying is, there are times, momentous moments, in the seasons of our life in which we should use the linen table clothes and set the fine china.”
“Exactly, and add music and laughter, a grateful heart and the pleasure of sharing the time together.”
“But Lord what about the expense?”
“No one should ever be excluded because of expense. Let others help that everyone might be included, but remember there is also a time to break open the bottle of expensive perfume and anoint the feet of My Son, and it was My Son who provided the best wine at the wedding feast in Cana.”
“You know Lord, that is the second time you’ve mentioned the wedding feast at Cana.”
“I am aware. Did I also remind you it was My Son’s first miracle on earth. Didn’t you ever wonder why it was first?”
“Yes, I often thought it seemed a little frivolous.”
“Really? I thought it expressed something rather profound about the nature of our relationship. It is one of joy. It is one of celebration. We love one another.”
“So, if we give a banquet to celebrate our 150th Anniversary will Your Son be there?”
“Of course, and when you sip the water in your glass I hope it will remind you of His presence with you and the miracle at Cana.”
“Please, Lord, I hope you are not implying that we would ask for such a miracle as changing water into wine at our feast. Remember, we are Baptist!”
“Of course you are. The water will stay water, but I promise you the same joy.”
“Lord, I am glad we get to celebrate our relationship with you through 150 years.”
“I am to.”
Dr. David W. Andersen
           
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