Preparing the Table

"Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed.  And He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.”

 So they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare?”

And He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters. Then you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’  Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready.”

 So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover."  Luke 22:7-13

I went early to orchestra rehearsal, hoping for a moment to myself.  I love the quiet space of the empty sanctuary.  It had been a busy day, full of phone calls and customers and appointments and traffic.  I wanted a few minutes to compose myself before the small ensemble began practicing for the Easter service.  I don't play regularly but the director wanted someone for the orchestral bells (xylophone for the uninitiated) and all the usual suspects were busy in other ways in the service.  I agreed, but I am sure Handel himself will be shouting Hallelujah when the piece is over and I am done muddling my way through his Chorus.  There are so many talented people who do so much behind the scenes to prepare for the worship service each Sunday.  I am always humbled when I am asked to help out in a small way.

A table had been laid at the front of the church.  The pottery cups and plates, wax fruit and tablecloth for the tableau of the Last Supper took center stage.  I thought again of the invisible hands that do so much around our church.  And I thought of the disciples sent ahead by Jesus to prepare the table.  They still did not understand what was to come, but they prepared for the part they did understand.  Isn't that what we are still called to do today?  We don't know what's to come.  We don't understand everything that happens.  We can only prepare for what we do know and trust in the Lord with all our hearts and do not lean on our own understanding. 

As we journey toward the cross and the empty tomb, I am reminded of the need to be continually preparing my heart through prayer and study in anticipation of the One who is and who is to come.  I fall so short of that, but thank God we serve a risen Savior who is in the world today and willing to pick me up and dust me off and set me on the path again.  And again.

Blessings to you, friends.