“In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22, KJV). The Greek word for habitation as used here means “a permanent residence.”

David said of his Lord, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5). Jesus said, “I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom” (Luke 22:29-30).

The one thing our Lord seeks above all else from his servants, ministers and shepherds is communion at his table. Oneness around his heavenly table — a place and time of intimacy and continual coming to him for food, strength, wisdom and fellowship.

Jesus’ followers were gathered together in the Upper Room when the Holy Spirit came and filled everyone in the place (see Acts 2:1-4). As a crowd gathered outside, Peter was emboldened by the Spirit to preach and three thousand people came to Christ (see Acts 2:41).

How would you feel if you cooked a wonderful meal, invited guests who said they would come, and then, after everything was prepared and ready to be served, no one showed up? Most of us would feel quite rejected and disappointed. Yet, this is what happened in this parable Jesus told his disciples in Luke 14.