In what ways can we "eat there before the LORD" today?

The Original Invitation to Israel

“...you are to eat the tithe of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God in the place He will choose for His Name to dwell, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.” (Deuteronomy 14:23)

• A thankful act of worship

• A tangible reminder of covenant fellowship

• A declaration that every good gift comes from God

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A Principle That Crosses Covenants

• Acts 2:46-47—shared meals praised God and built unity

• 1 Corinthians 10:16—communion joins us to Christ’s body and blood

• Hebrews 10:19—every believer now has sanctuary access through Jesus

• Revelation 19:9—final blessing promised at the wedding supper of the Lamb

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Practical Ways We “Eat Before the LORD” Today

• Lord’s Supper—proclaiming the gospel while partaking of bread and cup (1 Corinthians 11:26)

• Congregational meals—potlucks and “agape feasts” echo Acts 2:42

• Family table worship—mealtime prayers and Scripture reading (1 Timothy 4:4-5)

• Hospitality—inviting believers and strangers as unto Christ (Hebrews 13:2; Matthew 25:40)

• Caring meals—feeding the needy, lending to the Lord (Proverbs 19:17; Deuteronomy 14:29)

• Festive celebrations—glorifying God at birthdays, weddings, harvests (1 Corinthians 10:31)

• Mission-support banquets—giving to gospel work, rejoicing together (Philippians 4:18)

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Heart Posture That Makes the Meal Worship

• Gratitude—every bite received as gift (James 1:17)

• Holiness—reconciled relationships before sharing (Matthew 5:23-24)

• Joy—tasting and seeing the Lord’s goodness (Psalm 34:8)

• Generosity—sharing freely with others (Luke 14:13-14)

• Expectation—foretaste of the coming banquet (Revelation 19:9)

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A Foretaste of the Final Banquet

“People will come from east and west, and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 13:29)

Every table where Christ is honored becomes the place where, even now, we gladly “eat there before the LORD.”