The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he lead me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me,
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare me a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
We have just walked through the valley. A long, hard, sometimes dark walk. However, we never walked alone. Always there was His rod and staff that brought us safety and bought us redemption from the evil one. There in the valley we learned we need not fear the enemy. His rod, His staff - they were the cross. With the cross the enemy was defeated and I was protected from death and set free.
But… He didn’t stop there. In the presence of my enemies, He prepared a table before me. Much more than a mere napkin and paper plate. Much more than plastic knives and forks. He has prepared a spread. The finest china has been brought from the cupboard and the linen has been pressed. Real silver has been set and the crystal stemware placed beside each plate.
I am ushered into the banquet hall where all His other children go and are seated. The seats are covered in a deep, purple velvet – the color of royalty. I don’t deserve this. I just came out of the valley and I didn’t wander well. I complained a lot. I caved at the enemies mocking once or twice, maybe even three times. On the outskirts of the hall they squat and wince at me. In spite of my inadequacies, my imperfections, my failures, I remain seated. I don’t understand why. He knows everything about me, where I’ve been, all that I’ve done and my slate isn’t clean. Yet, still I remain. Because He loves me. He loves me!
There are some familiar faces. Faces that make me smile. I am so glad to see them here. I search for others. I will have to search more. Some are missing.
The food is brought out – food of every kind imaginable. Food I have never seen before. The enemy drools and begs and they are ignored. They stammer for attention and receive none.
Drinks are poured from what seems to be an ever abundant supply. We eat until we can eat no more. We have been filled at the Master’s table.
He has shown the enemy in plain view that we are His. He has shown the enemy that although he may thwart our plans, riddle this path of life we walk with unimaginable sorrow and grief, heart
1 Comments on Psalm 23, Part 8 - The Table Is Set, last added: 2/4/2010
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What comfortin words! Thank you.