Waiting tables at some sort of a restaurant is almost a rite of passage for most American college students. 70-78% of young adults have spent some time with a stained apron hanging around their neck.
On Sunday, Pastor Jason talked about the fact that Paul was a prisoner of Christ, not Rome. He was a prisoner with a purpose and that purpose was to stand before a table (so to speak), ready to take His (Christ’s) order.
Imagine for a moment you or I working tables at Wally’s English Fish and Chips. Our Savior is at the table by the window. As we approach Him, we mindlessly welcome Him with a “Welcome to Wally’s where the fish are so fresh you can almost hear them saying ‘hello.’”
We might continue, “What can I get you tonight? We have both cod and haddock. The chips are hot and spicy. Would you like malt vinegar or tartar sauce?” And maybe about then, our Savior looks up from the plastic menu and smiles at us. Suddenly the quality of our service changes dramatically.
We are not just working a part time job to get by. We are in the service of the King. His preferences are our only thought. What does He want? What will please Him? How can I do that service with the right heart attitude?
And about then we might remember the words of Eph. 3:7 where the apostle Paul declares, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power.”
Our service is the product of His grace. It is a gift to be able to “wait on His table.” It’s not just a “job.” It’s not just a means of supporting our family or sustaining our lifestyles. It is a sweet blessing to set aside our own agendas and instead focus full-faced on His directions, desires and wishes.
What He wants, we want. What He wants, we will do.
Come on, practice with me. “Welcome to Wally’s English Fish and Chips…how may I serve you?”
On Sunday, Pastor Jason talked about the fact that Paul was a prisoner of Christ, not Rome. He was a prisoner with a purpose and that purpose was to stand before a table (so to speak), ready to take His (Christ’s) order.
Imagine for a moment you or I working tables at Wally’s English Fish and Chips. Our Savior is at the table by the window. As we approach Him, we mindlessly welcome Him with a “Welcome to Wally’s where the fish are so fresh you can almost hear them saying ‘hello.’”
We might continue, “What can I get you tonight? We have both cod and haddock. The chips are hot and spicy. Would you like malt vinegar or tartar sauce?” And maybe about then, our Savior looks up from the plastic menu and smiles at us. Suddenly the quality of our service changes dramatically.
We are not just working a part time job to get by. We are in the service of the King. His preferences are our only thought. What does He want? What will please Him? How can I do that service with the right heart attitude?
And about then we might remember the words of Eph. 3:7 where the apostle Paul declares, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power.”
Our service is the product of His grace. It is a gift to be able to “wait on His table.” It’s not just a “job.” It’s not just a means of supporting our family or sustaining our lifestyles. It is a sweet blessing to set aside our own agendas and instead focus full-faced on His directions, desires and wishes.
What He wants, we want. What He wants, we will do.
Come on, practice with me. “Welcome to Wally’s English Fish and Chips…how may I serve you?”
Sherry Worel
Sherry Worel is a Bible teacher at heart and lives a life of ministry. She’s been involved at Coast Hills teaching Women’s LIFE, Bible studies, online courses, devotionals, participating in Upstream conversations, and much more. Having a love for education, Sherry has over 50 years of teaching experience with schools, churches, and mission agencies. As well as earning her Master’s at Talbot Seminary, she rounded out her education with 35 years as Head of School at Stoneybrooke Christian School. Sherry is happiest with a book or fishing pole in hand.