A Seat At The Table - Devotion for August 11

As we come to the end of our summer series on the book of Hebrews, I find myself lingering on the opening words of Hebrews 13: “Let mutual love continue.” Those words—so simple and yet so full of invitation—brought to mind one of my favorite pieces of art: Andrei Rublev’s icon of the Trinity.

Painted in the early 15th century, it’s often called The Trinity or The Hospitality of Abraham, since it’s based on the story in Genesis 18 where three mysterious visitors come to Abraham and Sarah. But more than that, Rublev’s image has become the most famous artistic representation of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

What makes this icon so powerful is not just its beauty, but its theology.

Rublev painted each of the three figures with equal size and identical faces—visual reminders of their unity and equality. Each holds a staff in the left hand, a symbol of shared authority. Each wears a cloak of blue, the color of divinity. But it's in the subtle differences that the story of our faith is told.

The figure on the left represents the Father. His blue robe is covered with a nearly transparent cloak—because God the Creator is hidden from human eyes. His hand is raised in blessing over the Son, and though his head is lifted high, his gaze turns toward the other two. There's majesty in his posture, but also deep relationship.

The central figure is the Son. He wears not only blue, but also a reddish-purple robe—symbolizing both his divine nature and his royal priesthood. His head is bowed in obedience to the Father. His hand extends in blessing over the cup on the table—the cup of sacrifice he willingly drinks for the sake of the world.

The figure on the right is the Holy Spirit, clothed in green—the color of life, growth, and renewal. His hand gently rests near the cup, as if to say, “I am with you.” His gaze is turned toward the other two, and yet, he looks out past them—toward us.

And here’s what I love: the open space at the table.

Rublev intentionally left one side of the table vacant. It’s not a mistake. That open seat is an invitation. The Father, Son, and Spirit—who have dwelled in perfect love and community from eternity—have made space for us. For you. For me.

Hebrews says that “for the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross.” What joy could possibly outweigh the pain of the cross? He already had eternal joy in the company of the Father and the Spirit. What could he gain?

I believe the answer is us.

The joy before Jesus was the joy of obedience to his Father, yes—but also the joy of opening the way for us to join that eternal circle of love. Through his sacrifice, we are welcomed to the table.

Henri Nouwen, writing about this icon, said:

“As we place ourselves in front of the icon in prayer, we come to experience a gentle invitation to participate in the intimate conversation that is taking place among the three divine angels and to join them around the table...”

This isn’t just art. It’s a window into the heart of God.

So if you're weary, lonely, or wondering if there’s a place for you—hear this: there is a place at the table. All is ready. You are a guest of the Most High. Now, let’s invite others to join us!

—Pr. Laurie Neill

Featured image: The Trinity Icon (also known as The Hospitality of Abraham), Andrei Rublev, Russian, 1411