A husband and wife were ready to relax on a 3-day, cross-country train ride. Knowing how expensive it was to eat in the dining car, they had brought enough money to have one meal there each day, and the others would be snacks.

Their first evening, hungry and ready for some hot food, they followed the waiter to their table. Each table was set for four, with white cloth and napkins, sparkling glasses and silver. As another couple joined them as table mates for the evening, they greeted each other, and then focused on the menu. The first couple browsed through the expensive fare, discussing their options, and then decided on a pasta dish--the cheapest meal on the menu.

After the meal, the wife’s table mate leaned over and whispered, “You know, when you bought your ticket, all of your meals were paid for. You can eat here for free.”

From that point on, nothing kept them from spending the rest of their mealtimes in the dining car. As the countryside whizzed by, they eagerly perused their menu choices, and ate until they were full.

While He watches us daily, I can imagine the Lord saying, “You don’t have to remain in your room nibbling on guilt, or gnawing on bitterness, or savoring that heavy burden. I’ve already died and paid for the meal—there’s nothing more you can do. I am your Bread of Life. You can freely dine at my table now.”

John 21:12

Feasting on the riches of His grace,
Kept beneath His sheltering wing;
Always looking on His smiling face,
That is why I shout and sing!