After writing recently about the Getty’s album, Awaken the Dawn, I took some time to listen and worship at the end of a day. I thoroughly enjoyed it, because both the music and the lyrics are encouraging and help you focus your mind easily on what you are doing.

I was also intrigued by one song that made me cry whilst worshipping. The most intriguing thing was that it’s never made me cry before and I tell you, I was in the zone with the crying as I listened that day.

It was a song about fellowship. The Fellowship of the King.

Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away,
Slain for us: and we remember:
The promise made that all who come in faith
Find forgiveness at the cross.
So we share in this Bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice,
As a sign of our bonds of peace
Around the table of the King.

I almost started crying just copying and pasting the first verse then.

There’s a profound beauty to the lyrics of this song, written by Stuart Townend along with the Gettys. It explores the basis of our fellowship: the blood of Jesus, taking away our sins at the cross.

As a result of his blood, we now have a share together at his table. Our engagement in his sacrifice brings unity and feasting.

The symbolism – and actual reality – of feasting is explored in the Bible on many occassions. As is fasting. Fasting is a symbol of being outside the promised land – the land flowing with milk and honey – or knowing someone else who is outside the circle. Milk and honey signifies provision, wonderful abundance, opulence.

Communion tells us that this ultimate provision comes through Christ, who allows us to share in unity with Him and His people.

It is through times of fasting that we learn how much we need to rely on God, and anticipate his gracious provision at some future point in time.

Perhaps the anticipation of this glorious future is what made me cry so much listening to the song? Or perhaps an awareness of what is lacking now made me cry? Or the things that get in the way of this unity?

We should not be naive about the work of the devil who doesn’t want us to share in the beautiful unity and fellowship found in Christ.

When the Israelites went into the Promised Land they walked. These days people fly most places. As a plane comes into land it is quite normal for there to be at least some mild turbulence. And that’s when the weather’s good.

I don’t think we should ever expect an easy stroll into Canaan.

Regardless, the promise made in faith still stands.

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective...

Those in the Fellowship will always have a place at the table. And that’s where I’m aiming.

Yours in the blood of the promise,

Alison