the gift has been given, the table is set

invitations are issued, let none have regret.

my price has been paid, my admission secured –

I won’t be denied, I have the Host’s word.

though I’ve wandered long, falling far from grace

His Word is true – I still have a place

set for me at His table – a sacred space

waiting for me when I finish this race.

still, my response is delayed, I have nothing to wear

seems such a silly reason to give up my chair

at the table of the wedding supper of the Lamb,

poor, blind, rebellious, orphaned beggar that I am.

a great banquet, like the father of the prodigal prepared to celebrate

the return of his long lost son, there is hope, it is not too late

for me to RSVP, the invitation’s in my hand

sealed with His blood – this offer will stand.

why do I not reply? what reason for delay?

my deepest fears fight within, will they have the final say?

surely a sinner such as I, have no place at the Lord’s table,

but the gift has been given, mine to accept while I am able.

” ‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.’ ” (Isaiah 1:18)

“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10)

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5)

the gift has been given, the banquet table is prepared

there’s a place with my name on it, no expense has been spared.

the thief on the cross at my left, the woman at the well on my right,

I feel right at home, I know they understand my plight.

the woman caught in adultery and Rahab are sitting close by me,

each one of us clutching blood stained invitations, glad we chose to RSVP!

my righteousness was filthy rags, but You clothed me with Your’s instead,

You prepared a place for me at Your everlasting table, with the oil of life You anointed my head!

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:21-24)

“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6)

I have a place waiting for me at the table. You do too, dear readers! Invitations have been issued – time to RSVP!

sincerely, Grace Day