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Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.

Forward Day By Day SATURDAY, October 15
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SATURDAY, October 15

Matthew 11:7-15. Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

John the Baptist set the table so that Jesus could celebrate the feast. No table-setting, no feast; it is as simple as that. As for us, we are all table-setters and we are all diners at the feast. Those who came before us set the table for us and we set the table for those who come after us. It is a never-ending process.

Important as John the Baptist was in preparing for Jesus’ coming, those who have had the benefit of Jesus’ teaching are even more blessed. Still, as we celebrate the coming of the kingdom, we must keep setting the table so that others may join in the celebration.

Because more has been given to us than was given to John the Baptist, more is required of us. We feast at the table and then keep resetting it by living out our faith as fully as possible.

As the hand is made for holding and the eye for seeing, you have fashioned me for joy, O God. Lead me to find that joy everywhere: in teh violet's beauty, in the lark's melody, in the child's face, in a mother's love, in the purity of Jesus.

--Ancient Gaelic prayer

PRAY for the Diocese of Tanga (Tanzania)

Ps 20, 21:1-7(8-14) * 110:1-5(6-7), 116, 117; 2 Kings 25:8-12, 22-26; 1 Corinthians 15:12-29

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We Are Called To Be Table-setters

Oct 15, 2011 at 7:38 am

Written by emeline,

What an unsual but fitting analogy, "Table-setters." It gives the image of "servanthood." That's exactly what God has caled us to be, "servants", setting examples for others to follow. We start in our homes, in our churches, in our communities and at our places of employment. If we "set the table" in all these places, the sparks will fly and very soon the whole world will be filled with "Table-setters." TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR ALL THE "TABLE-SETTERS!
Family Time

Oct 15, 2011 at 8:50 am

Written by Ann Green,

This table-setting analogy reminds me of when I was a little girl. Whenever we were having a family dinner, it was my responsibility to set the table. Likewise, we are each responsible in our daily lives to set the table for each other as we are all one big family through Jesus Christ and have to prepare for our fellowship together.
...

Oct 15, 2011 at 10:08 am

Written by messanger,

John the Baptist did not set the table for the feast. John the Baptist identified the Christ. He was the God-appointed messanger to prepare the way for the Son of God. Even John the Baptist was a sinner. Those in Heaven are righteous and pure because of the fullfillment of God's plan in Jesus. In that regard those in heaven are greater than John the Baptist's presence on this earth.
...

Oct 15, 2011 at 11:43 am

Written by Mary kier,

This is a wonderf analogy! Thankyou. As Christ teaches with parables this also makes clear how to be hostss/hostesses at God's table.

Thank you also for that Gaelic prayer.
Give thanks to the Lord for your present position and prepare second line leadership

Oct 15, 2011 at 9:22 pm

Written by Rev. K H Vasanth,

We always give thanks to the Lord for our present position and we have to prepare for upcoming leadership. The above passage I red is preparing a table for next generation is very encouragement yes it is true that every saved person has to prepare a leader(table)so that they will be enjoy what are enjoying present table. It is enough that all saved person is to prepare one in a year.

May God bless you continuously,

In Him

Rev K H Vasanth

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