The Table

What if you already are who you wish you were?

The celebration at the Table wasn't for anything Tal had done—it was simply for who Tal was. Can you imagine? A party thrown not because you achieved something or impressed someone, but because you exist. Because you're loved. Because you belong. Because you're you, and that's enough. This is the reality of the Kingdom Table: you have a seat not because you earned it, but because the King delights in you.

We each receive the same "Crest" as Tal—a brand new identity that is fully fused with Jesus's heart. This can never be lost, earned, improved upon or damaged. Jesus doesn't tweak and update your old heart. This isn't a heart improvement but a heart transplant. You are not 46% transformed today and with good effort can get to 47% tomorrow. He is not waiting on you to try harder and get your act together, vaguely disappointed in your progress.

Instead, Jesus gives you an entirely new heart. A new nature. A new self, holy and dearly loved, delighted in and chosen. You are a new creation, birthed by the Spirit. No longer a sinner striving to become a saint, but a saint who still sins. If you have given your heart to Jesus, this is who you truly are now. This is your true identity.

Yet even at the Table, some of us still wander in the woods, convinced we need to do more, be more, fix more before we can truly enjoy who he has made us. We still think that our identity and our worthiness is defined by our efforts and behavior. Abba's heart breaks as he watches his children stay on the fringes of joy, working for what he's already freely given. The Table is always set. The seat is always saved. The question is: Will you come enjoy the feast?

Reflection Questions:

1. What makes it difficult to believe you're loved simply for being you?
2. How does knowing your identity is permanent and settled (not behavior-based) change how you view your daily struggles?
3. What would it look like to live from your true identity as a beloved saint rather than working to become someone different?