Gathered Round the Table.Growing up as the daughter of a pastor, we have often had the blessing of a full table.
What a joy to find yourself comfortably settled at the corner of a long sturdy table, plates and baskets piled high with all sorts of delicious foods. As the meal commences the ice is swiftly broken with a bit of small talk. Let the conversations begin! There is a rising level of excitement as different topics are opened and discussed. A new thought is thrown in to the mix, I pick it up and come up with a few thoughts of my own, listening as wise men bring scripture to bear. Stories are recalled from the past, and vision is cast for the future. The little ones have quickly finished their meal and enjoy crawling from lap to lap, playing on the floor and eventually being excused to play. The older folks stick around to hear out the rest of the conversations, learning from each other and encouraging one another in the faith.
As I reflect on our own experiences with hospitality, I often wonder what it would be like to sit at the Luther family table, engulfed in the ancient halls of the Wittenberg Monastery. I can almost see Katie Luther bustling about, making sure the last minute details are in hand.
Who would I sit by? Would it be the timid studious Melancthon or the firebrand Karlstadt? Personally, I would prefer a seat between Magdalene, Luther’s third child and Dr. Luther himself.
Martin and Katie.
Luther is best known for his amazing influence at the genesis of the Protestant Reformation. God mightily used this gifted man. The Lord worked in Luther, showing him is utter inability to please God in his own strength. The internal growth in Luther had an effect on those around him as Luther started teaching and writing.
Lutherhaus was birthed in the year 1525, when Dr. Luther found a wife! His bride was Katharina von Bora, or Katie, a run-away nun.
The Luther Family Home.
Prince Fredrick gave the Luther’s the old Augustinian Monastery as a wedding present. The Reformation was not only having its impact on the church and state, but also the home. Similar to today, Christian families had the awesome task of applying the scripture to the domestic circle, for it had truly been forgotten.
Mrs. Luther was an incredible helpmeet to her husband. She ably managed their extensive household, including Zulsdorf, a farm about an hour from Wittenberg. She encouraged him as life looked bleak, always quick to cheer him up with fresh concoctions from the kitchen. She was gifted with a quick wit and was a significant contributor to the famous
Table Talk. And all that on a shoe string budget!
This boisterous household, teeming with guests from every walk of life, was a beautiful picture of the Christian home. Guests included students from Wittenberg University, ex-nuns, renegade monks and orphaned children. There were often over 20 guests staying with the Luther’s at one time. Some came for supper while others stayed for several years.
To say the least, dinner time at the Luther’s would be quite interesting. Conversations around their table ranged from witty discussions of cultural events, to heartfelt conversations on the need for humility in studying God’s infallible word. Several of Luther’s students faithfully recorded these conversations in the volume entitled
Table Talk. These sayings are a window into the soul of this unique family.
Our family has sought to bring this dynamic to our own table. It is so easy to slide through a family meal, quickly throwing the plates on the table and dishing up a handy "meal in a pot". The inhalation of food takes place, just the minimum of polite conversation is exchanged and you're done. Check that box! Of course every meal you eat together does not have to be a three hour process (I am still trying to convince my family of the truth of this statement :).
What strikes me about the Luther home is that it truly was the cultural center. Ideas were discussed, relationships were built and history was being made. I am sure they had their quick meals, but as a whole this gathering together was a significant part of their ministry in Christ's Kingdom.
Showing hospitality is one of the best ways to broaden your conversational horizon. I am so thankful to my parents for setting this culture in our home. We sure did not start that way. Early hospitality at the Serven's consisted in several repeating elements: one large lasagna, a Christopher Parkening Classical guitar record playing in the background, lots of last minute cleaning and an extra helping of stress. The latter aspect was easily provided by five not so helpful children under the age of ten. To this day every time I hear a certain style of classical music it quickly brings to mind those early days.
The Serven Family, 1991 (with the five not so helpful children)As the years have gone by the practical side of opening our home has become much simpler and the joys of hospitality only grow sweeter. No matter what season you happen to find yourself in, don’t be afraid to start. The Lord is so faithful to use our little steps of faith to grow us into the people he desires us to be.
Much has changed in 500 years, but the joy of opening your home and heart to friends and strangers stays the same.
Written by Beth Serven.
What an overwhelming joy it is to report that we are now equipped with 
