Table Mountain

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. “ Psalm 23:5-6

I just hiked up one of God’s biggest tables I have ever seen!! Table Mountain, Capetown, South Africa that is! This mountain is called such because it is a huge mountain standing at 3562 feet high and 2 miles long. It is flat on top, thus like a table, and when it is cloudy they say there is a tablecloth prepared on top of the table.

We began our hike up the table from Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and hiked up through the gorge on the side to the top of Table Mountain. As we finally began our journey across the table’s top, after 4 hours of hiking straight up, I was taken aback by the beauty of God’s creation. And the whole idea of this being God’s table just struck me with such power. Was this indeed how God saw the table of communion being? All of God’s creation coming together to share as one; animals and plants, humans and rocks, sky and earth. I have to share that I have not felt that close to God in a long time. Standing on top of this massive table, looking over its top as the mountains meet the ocean, thinking of how God created this all and that I am so privileged to be a part of it!

But I also saw another view as I looked from the top of the mountain. I could see all of the townships scattered with shacks, the poverty, all of God’s people who have never seen the view from the top of the table, those who have never eaten from God’s communion table. How does one bring the beauty and the abject poverty of such a country as South Africa together to meet in the middle?

I don’t have the answer to that question, but I rejoice in the fact that we serve a God who offers a communion table for everyone as big as Table Mountain. But it is my desire to share this love, this grace and forgiveness, the peace of God with all whom I see, with whom I work, live and minister with here in South Africa. I am glad that I serve a God who builds tables that are big enough, wide enough, and beautiful for all to eat from, be filled from and leave from nourished and strengthened. Amen.

Rev. Dawn Barnes

Jonathan and Dawn Barnes are missionaries with the Kei Regional Council of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, South Africa. Jonathan serves in pastoral ministries among the churches in the region. Dawn serves in pastoral ministries and social work.