Communion at Texas Roadhouse

This past weekend someone blessed us with a gift card to Texas Roadhouse. (A huge thanks if you read this because it is one of my favorite places to eat!) I don't always run right out and use gift cards, but I did on Sunday. We had just spent a few hours out at the Armada Fair to watch Minor Measure perform.

As a side note, this group of teens from our church continues to get better as a band. One of the members of the group following them even commented about how good they are. Anyway, I am proud of these guys for exploring, developing, and using their gifts.

Anyway, so after getting chilly and wet at the fair, I was ready for a yummy meal in a warm environment. I ordered the usual: 6oz. sirloin smothered with onions, mushrooms, and cheese, mashed potatoes, and a cup of chili. When our meals arrived, we did what we almost always do when we go out to eat. We asked our waitress if there was anything we could pray for.

Not only did she share with us what we could pray for, she asked if she could join us. So here we are in the middle of a busy restaurant holding hands with this young woman we had only met moments earlier. We prayed for her, our meal, and a few other things.

I think this is really what Jesus had in mind when it comes to communion. This is not to discount the importance of what happens when we gather as a church. My point is to emphasize that communion is not just something that happens a few minutes once a week. It is people coming together in community to share in the kingdom of God.

Jesus himself said, "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20) Isn't it interesting that God Himself said, "The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." (Deuteronomy 19:15)

So what is communion? Is it a religious ceremony, a ritual, a tradition, or a social gathering? Yes. It is all of those. It is a time for God's people to gather and give their testimony about who Jesus was and is. Paul even wrote, "For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again." (1 Corinthians 11:26)

So on a Sunday afternoon in a restaurant consumed by the noise of people, the aroma of food, and an atmosphere of celebration, we were able to be witnesses to our faith in Jesus and our trust in God. It was a time to approach the throne of God with and for a young woman somewhere on the journey of finding and following God.

The next time you go out to eat, ask your waitress or waiter what you can pray for and see if church breaks out.

shine!
Jason