Tonight, I started a new book titled Seated with Christ. I've had this book in my possession for about three months, but with school, work and living a busy scheduled life, I'm just now cracking it open. But I believe that everything is in God's timing.
Whenever I think of being seated, I usually picture being at a fancy restaurant and being lead to a table specifically prepared just for my presence. I imagine the neatly wrapped silverware, the dimmed lights hanging from the ceiling, the china plates and the multi-folded napkins sitting decoratively on the table. I think of someone pulling out the chair for me, in such a way that I would be seated in a worthy manner. The purpose of being seated is to enjoy what awaits you in the future, right?
I've realized that all of my life I have been simplifying the term, "being seated", with something that is done in the span of a 30 minute dinner- but it's much more grounded than that, as I recognized that truth tonight.
Ephesians 2:1-10 (paraphrased) : God raised us up with Christ and seated us in the Heavenly Realms with Jesus. Not only do we get to be seated at the same table as Christ, but we get to do so in the Heavenly Realm- which may I remind you is eternity, which is forever, my friend. God's reservation for us as His children, is prepared more beautifully than a five-star restaurant, I mean come on it's the creator of the world, I'm sure He has better taste than even Olive Garden's hanging lights (which in fact, are my absolute favorite), but He is the light of the world!
All of my life, I have had a seat at His table, specifying my name, Chelsea. Regardless of that treasure, I still am in constant search for the better table. I only stay sitting at Christ's table long enough to receive my appetizer, and then I leave looking for my fulfillment from another table, as if its main course could fill me up with the love that Christ does. I scan the rooms looking for new empty chairs within the dining hall, which is a representation of life. After seeing the surface of what looks like a good purchase, I sit. I sit long enough to gain that entitlement I've been starving after, and that hunger for recognition that I've been lacking, and the longing for acceptance- they can just bring me free refills on that part. Table after table, jumping from seat to seat, I never leave the table feeling full or satisfied.
It wasn't until tonight that I understood, His love is my saving grace. That grace is what gives me the open invitation to His table, at all times. Grace means to adorn, to decorate, to embellish and to dignify (according to Webster Dictionary). So, because of Jesus' adoration over me, He is setting aside a seat designed for me to sit in, to join Him.
Instead of getting caught up in standing up and running around carelessly trying to search for new seating, I think I'm ready to sit down. Better yet, I'm ready to be seated.
