Reserved: Just for You

     We don't go to fancy places often, just once in a while to celebrate special occasions. It never fails, though, just as we're dressed up and feeling great, there is a certain sign that can make us feel either very welcome -or- a little less important, depending on whether a reservation was made.        
        The showroom in Vegas had these signs. So did every concert we've ever attended. Add to that other fancy restaurants and hotels. Even picnic tables at public parks have these signs. You've seen them--the ones that say, "Reserved."   
        Entering a venue, whenever or wherever it happened to be, we always hoped to find a good place to sit.  Some spots were strictly off-limits, the "Reserved" sign displayed in bold lettering across seats or tabletops. It's not that we felt entitled; we simply wanted a good seat at a show or an accommodating table at a restaurant. The "Reserved" sign let us know right away that these seats were meant for someone else, and not us. If we didn't have a reservation, the "Reserved" sign somehow spurred a child-like response inside me, indicating "You're not welcome here."       
       Of course, it's only fair for those who make reservations to be given priority. This is understood, accepted, and customary in our society. It is a nice feeling to have a place reserved just for you, isn't it?  
       "Reserved" signs are common at weddings, too, to honor the bride, groom, and their families. Or at funerals to honor the family of the dearly departed. Worship services may use reserve seating, too, to provide closer access to the altar or lectern for the pastor and the worship assistants. Most venues also set aside special seating areas for the handicapped.     
        Earthly customs may require reservations and "Reserved" signs, but when we reach our eternal home in Heaven, no reservations will be needed. While earthbound, our only requirement is to simply say "Yes" to the God of all creation, accepting His offer of Salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to save us from the sins of the world. All are welcomed equally.    
       When our time on earth is through, we can be assured that God will have a place set aside for us. What an incredible feeling it will be as He invites us to His Banquet table, indicating this place is the one,   "Reserved: Just for You."        
                                                                                                             #
"Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them." - Luke 12:37   
"He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love." - Song of Solomon 2:4
"And I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in the kingdom..."- Luke 22:29
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
​
         
​   

---