“A Table Called Mercy” a Catechetical Poem by John Bryant, evangelist with Church Army USA

 

I believe that God has a Table. 

I believe that Table is a Gift—the Gift of His Forgiveness, company, and joy

I believe that Table is a Word–His Word of cleansing, provision, and rest. 

I believe that Table is a Revelation–the Revelation of all His truth, goodnes, and beauty. 

I believe that Table is a Promise–the Promise that He is for us, with us, and will give us back to Himself. 

I believe that Table is Safe Passage–out of pride and lies, through trouble and loss, toward 

meaning and purpose. 

 

I believe this Gift, this Word, this Revelation, this Promise, this Safe Passage 

is still only one single Table. 

I believe this Table is called Mercy. 

 

I believe this Mercy is Jesus.

I believe He is the Gift of God, the Word of God, the Revelation of God, the Promise of God. 

I believe He is Safe Passage.  

I believe the feast at this Table is the laying down of His own Life. 

 

I believe those who sit at this Table are changed by Who God Is and become Who They Are. 

 

I believe this Table is set for helpless sinners–for wounded, selfish, bullied, troubled people. 

I believe helpless sinners are honored guests at this Table. 

I believe honored guests become the humble servants of this Table. 

 

I believe a Christian is someone who sits at this Table. 

I believe those who sit at this Table learn a Song about this Table. 

 

I believe this Song is our word about this Word, our revelation of this Revelation, our promise about this Promise, our gift pointing toward His Gift, our tables pointing toward this Table.  

 

I believe we learn to sing this Song about His Table.  

I believe this Song is how Christ gathers His People to His Table.

I believe our Song is regard, company, and sanctuary spaces.

 

I believe regard, company, and sanctuary is our song, the song by which Christ gathers His People back to Himself. 

 

I believe regard, company, and sanctuary is our Song about His Table.