When I awoke in the morning, the table was there. Perhaps it had been there before, but I had never noticed it. And it was such a large table, so colorfully spread, that I can’t imagine how anyone could have missed it.

As I approached the table for a closer look, I was greeted by a tall man, apparently the Host.

“Come and dine,” He said joyfully. “Wouldn’t you like for me to show you to a seat?”

I hesitated. “Could I ask you a few questions first?”

“Certainly,” He replied.

“Whose banquet is this? I mean, who is issuing the invitation?”

He said,

“The Spirit and the bride say Come, and let him that heareth say Come, and let him who is athirst come, and take the water and bread of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).

“You mean I don’t have to pay anything?”

“That’s right.”

“I don’t usually get that hungry for breakfast,” I said, as I considered the offer. I looked hopefully up and down the table.

“You don’t happen to have some of those breakfast bars that I could just stick in my pocket and eat on the way to work? It would sure save time.”

The Host smiled.

“You will find that you have more appetite than you think you do, at least most of the time. In the morning your body is best prepared to digest the food. If you take time at the beginning of every day to eat a good breakfast, you’ll find that you have much more energy for your work and will be much more efficient.”

Still I hesitated.

“I’ve known some people who started eating breakfast, and next thing it was breakfast, dinner, and supper. Then they added a few snacks in between and finally they were eating all day long and got so fat they could hardly walk.”

“It’s true,” the Host replied, “that those who do nothing but eat will soon cease to eat. But it is equally true that those who don’t eat at all will die. If you come to this table every day, and eat a balanced meal centered on the Bread of Life, you will find the energy you need to work in the vineyard all day long.”

He was doing pretty well in winning me to His side, but then I noticed something. Sitting on the far side of the table was the preacher from my church. His plate was filled with good things, and he was eating with obvious enjoyment.

“Oh, look, there’s the preacher,” I said to the Host.

“Yes,” He responded. “He’s here every morning. He’s a great believer in eating a good breakfast.”

“Why that’s wonderful,” I said. “That will save me a lot of time, because you see, I go to hear him every week, and since I know he’s eating right himself, I’ll know I can trust him to tell me what food is really like. I won’t have to come here and take the time to eat for myself. Come to think of it, this is probably why he can describe food so well. I tell you, some weeks it’s enough to make your mouth water.”

“It’s true that someone can best share the invitation to the banquet when he has tasted it for himself,” the Host responded. “But no one can eat for another. In order for you to receive strength and nourishment, you must come and eat for yourself.”

Just then I caught sight of another familiar face. There was Billy Graham, down at the end of the table.

“Does he come here every day, too?” I asked the host.

“Yes, he’s here for several hours every morning.”

“Several hours?” I gulped. “Then I’d better not come, because I know I don’t have enough of an appetite to eat for that long.”

“You’re only expected to eat for your own needs, not for someone else’s,” He replied. “Pastor Graham has been coming to this table for years and years. He gets a tremendous amount of exercise, so he works up a tremendous appetite. But this is your first morning. Maybe for today you’ll want to start out with a couple of those thin, crispy bread sticks and a glass of juice. But if you eat slowly and chew thoroughly, you will gain the nourishment that you need. You’ll have more energy than you had before, and you’ll be able to exercise more. You’ll be surprised how quickly your appetite will grow, so long as you continue to balance your eating with the proper exercise.”

“I guess you’re right,” I sighed. “But I’m on such a busy schedule. There’s so much I want to get done. Isn’t it enough for me just to think about food all day long?”

My Host smiled.

“If you’re not eating properly, you may not be able to help thinking about food all day long. But you will work more efficiently when you eat a solid breakfast, and then you’ll be better able to think about your work!”

I was just about ready to ask Him to show me to a place at the table, when I thought of one more thing.

“Hey, wait a minute! This whole business suddenly sounds pretty legalistic. Like, what happens if I miss a day? This business of eating every day seems like it could easily become just another works trip. You wouldn’t want me coming here to your banquet just out of habit, would you?”

“I can’t think of another habit that would bring you better health,” said my Host. “But you’re missing the whole issue. I’m here every day, waiting to serve you, waiting to share with you of the bounties that I have prepared for you. I’m here. The table is here. There’s a place for you here. When you come to understand the importance of eating for life and growth, and when you realize how much I look forward to your company at the banquet, why would you just walk past the table and go on your way? It’s here, it’s free, it’s for you. Why would you ever want to stay away?”

Then He took my hand and led me to my place at the table, and He filled my plate with grapes and cherries and strawberries and waffles, but wait—I’m telling you about my meal. Your favorite things may be entirely different. Why don’t you come to the banquet, and eat for yourself?