Episode 38 - The story behind the song "Place at the Table"

One of my forefathers is William Marshal, who served five Kings in England in medieval times.  I have visited churches, abbeys and other buildings he built to build the Kingdom of God in his day.  When he died and was buried in the Temple Church near the Tower of London, the Archbishop of Canterbury declared William to be "the flower of chivalry" and dubbed him "the greatest knight that ever lived."   There is a canvas picture of one of his castles hanging on the wall in my office.  The integrity that William maintained helped him protect the people from the king, and he was sworn to protect the king from the people.  William was the force behind Magna Carta and served as mentor to Henry III (aged 9) while he ruled the realm as the regent.  His fathering, diplomacy, integrity and grit helped England maintain it's sovereignty while France was seeking to invade and conquer the land.   It is this heritage that fuels my boyish love of swords, castles, knights and monks living long ago.  This proud royal heritage descended from 29 generations of Celtic kings in our lineage supplied my imagination with the metaphor that fueled the song, Place at the Table.  With the knights of the round table in mind, and the need for men in our day to step into courage and take their place at the table, this song was born.   This podcast describes the inspiration and meaning behind this song.  This song is what I imagine Jesus singing to a man's heart.  Just as the song, "Captivating" is what Jesus sings to a woman's heart - this is a call to see ourselves as men invited to the table by Jesus.   Place at the Table Verse 1: Many years ago, in a far away land, the King chose the strongest to sit at his right hand Many men tried to win that prize They were hungry and thirsty, you could see it in their eyes Coming ‘round the table, they understood the cost, There were battles left to fight, to save those who were lost The fighting is for honor, for love and for the truth All of heaven’s waiting to see what you will do Chorus: We’ve been watching you waiting to see you take your place At the table of truth, that was set just for you We need your heart; will you play your part? I will see you through; I will be fighting by your side When you’re wounded and alone, I will carry you home So, I choose you, will you stand for truth? Verse 2: I see you standing there, what will you decide Will you come and fight or will you run and hide Many men have believed the lies, They are desperate and empty, you can see it in their eyes Coming ‘round the table, do you understand the cost, There are battles left to fight, to save those who are lost It is in the fighting that you will find the truth All of heaven’s waiting to see what you will do Chorus: Bridge: Welcome to the table, courageous one Welcome to a place, reserved for you my son So come to the table, I know that you’re able So come to the table, my son Last Chorus: So, rise up man of God, put your armor on Will you embrace your destiny, come find yourself in me I’ll heal your heart; it’s the place to start I will strengthen you; I will never leave your side When you’re lost and on your own, I will lead you home So come to the table, I know that you’re able So come to the table, my son