New Life For The Nations

Pastor Charles B. Widmeyer (1894-1974) wrote the words and music for this gospel song in 1906. “Come and Dine” was written following the reading of John 21 and his meditation on the similarity between the tired, hungry disciples and people of his day who were both spiritually and physically hungry.  It is based on an incident described in John 21:1-14 in which Peter and half a dozen of the other disciples had fished all night and had nothing to show for it.  This was discouraging, and they had probably worked up a big appetite. But Jesus was on the shore and had apparently not only caught fish, but prepared them, along with some breakfast toast. He called for them to make one more cast of their net “on the right side of the boat”. The amazing result was a catch so great that they had trouble hauling the net into the boat. They found that they had caught 153 “large fish”.  When they came ashore, the Lord invited them to “come and eat breakfast”, or, in the KJV that Widmeyer was using, “Come and dine.”  This was an example of the loving care and provision of the Lord.  He provided for them in a very practical way, as He does for us today.  He had anticipated their need and was prepared in advance to meet it.  What a joy to be able to trust in God’s provision, knowing that He already knows what we’ll face tomorrow and stands by ready to help us. “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”  (Phil. 4:19).  And so, even today, the Lord knows our needs, often before we even know them, and He says “Come and dine” with me, at any time,  and trust me to provide and meet those needs.  Listen to His call today and rest at the table He has spread for you.  He will supply your every need.