Scripture: Acts 2:46-47

Studies indicate that the frequency of family meals have declined by 33% over the past 20 years. Studies also show that children are more well-adjusted when families eat together at least 5 times a week.

There is a theology of  food in the Bible — verses that speak about the role of meals in daily life. Meals together in the Bible signify two things:

1. Identification — In Psalm 34:8 we are told to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” In the Old Testament, the people ate animals that were sacrificed to God. In the New Testament, the Lord’s Supper was a way to identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

2. Connection — Food provides opportunities for fellowship. According to Acts 2, meals played an important role in making and strengthening connections with others. Jesus shared many meals with those He met, including sinners. These meal times provided an opportunity for Him to express interest in others and to speak into their lives.

Fellowship is a key component of meal times in many cultures around the world. Our culture is different in that we tend to eat quickly instead of seeing meal times as opportunities for fellowship with those seated at our table.

Meaningful meals have three key components:

1. Social — Meals should be technology free and give us a chance to really interact with the people seated around the table.

● What steps can you take to make your meal times technology free?

2. Special — Don’t confuse special with elaborate. Special simply means the meal time should be set and regarded as a priority regardless of whether it is at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

● What is the best time for your family to consistently come to the table?

3. Spiritual — Meals in the days of the early church involved praising God.

● How can you lead those seated around your table to give praise and thanks to God?

It’s time we reclaim the table! Pastor Ryan challenged us to have 5 meaningful meals together each week over the next 6 weeks. Meals don’t need to be at home, but they do need to be social, special, and spiritual.

New Faith Talk cards are available at Kingsland. These cards provide prompts that can lead you to have meaningful conversations with those seated at your table.

Revelation 3:20 says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Sharing meals is important. Let’s start now to Restore the Table!