Lawrence Tong reflects on Luke 13:29 in this Christmas devotional.
"People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.” – Luke 13:29 (NIV)
Growing up, my family's dinner table was always full of people from different backgrounds. My parents would invite anyone and everyone to join us at our family meals. From the migrant workers at his book-binding factory to the single neighbour struggling to make ends meet, our home became a place where everyone felt welcome, and these experiences taught me the power of inclusivity and the warmth of hospitality.
Jesus' words in Luke 13:29 remind me of those family gatherings. He describes a divine banquet where there's a place for everyone, no matter where they come from or what their story is. This vision of God's Kingdom is a powerful reminder that everyone is welcome in God's eyes.
In my life, this theme of acceptance has been more than just a comforting thought — it has been a calling. I've had the privilege of working with a couple of physically and mentally challenged communities in China that are marginalised and overlooked by their own government, communities and even their families. Whether in remote villages in the Sichuan province of China or inner-city neighbourhoods in Clarkson on the outskirts of Atlanta, USA, I've seen firsthand that everyone deserves a place at God's table.
One memorable experience was when I took a group on an outreach to a welfare home in a remote village in China. The welfare home was humble and forgotten by many, but the people there, despite their struggles, welcomed us with open arms and hearts. We shared meals, stories and prayers, breaking through language and cultural barriers. In those simple gatherings, I saw a glimpse of God's Kingdom — a community where love and acceptance transcended all differences.
Another profound encounter was with a group of immigrants eking out a living in a run-down, squalid apartment block. These individuals had very little, yet they welcomed us with hope in their eyes. We organised a simple meal, and as we shared food and laughter, the atmosphere changed. Strangers became friends, and despair turned into hope. It was a beautiful reminder that God's table is not just a future promise but something we can create here and now.
Additionally, leading OM to reach the least reached has been a cornerstone of my faith journey. The process is covered with both action and prayer. Each prayer is a reminder of God's boundless love and his desire for everyone to experience it. I remember a particular night of prayer when I felt a deep burden for a region struggling with violence and poverty. As I prayed, I pictured a table set in that place, filled with people from all walks of life, experiencing the peace and joy of God's Kingdom. That vision has inspired me to ensure that everyone, no matter how marginalised, knows they have a place at God's table.
Living out this inclusive vision isn't always easy. It means stepping out of our comfort zones, challenging our biases and extending grace even when it's hard. It's about seeing people through God's eyes — valuing their worth and recognising their potential. It's about creating spaces where people feel loved, accepted and valued.
Back in the welfare home in China, we initiated a practice to welcome anyone who needed a bed or a meal or who wanted to use his or her talents as an expression of their offering to serve with us. It began with a simple idea: to create a space where anyone, regardless of their background, could come and share a meal. What started as a small group has grown into a diverse assembly of individuals — volunteers, professionals, homeless, family-less — each bringing their unique story. Every meal is a celebration of God's inclusive love, a tangible expression of the Kingdom of God here on earth.
These experiences have shown me that inclusivity is not just a nice idea; it's a call to action. It's about seeking out the least reached, inviting them into our lives and showing them that they belong. It's about being the hands and feet of Jesus, creating tables of love and acceptance in a world that often excludes and marginalises.
As I reflect on Luke 13:29, I'm reminded that God's invitation is for everyone. It's an invitation to experience His love, grace and redemption. And as followers of Christ, we are called to extend that invitation, to create spaces where people from the east and west, north and south, can take their place at the feast in the Kingdom of God.
In a world filled with division and exclusion, let us be the bearers of God's inclusive love. Let's create tables where everyone is welcome, where stories are shared and where lives are transformed. In doing so, we not only reflect the heart of God but also experience the joy of His Kingdom here and now.