(Artwork and Devotion by: Carole L. Haines
He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Ps 23:5a
Psalm 23 is filled with pictures of God’s love and care for us, His sheep. Visions are painted in our minds as we read this Psalm. Quiet waters, green pastures, restoration of the soul; all of these are in this beautiful poem of scripture. It is one of the most beloved psalms.
Yet one verse has always puzzled me. What does it mean when it says that God prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies?
I had always assumed it was like God displaying the glories of the Table He sets for all those who will believe Him and come to Him in faith.
But as I was reading through this Psalm the other day, I sensed the Spirit whisper a different perspective. God’s Word says:
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NASB)
So, what if God’s table-setting is an invitation? What if God sets the table before us, not to shame our enemies, but to invite them to His table to dine with us? I was flabbergasted by that insight from the Lord. Could it be that the Table that the Lord sets before us is perhaps an expression of His desire for none to perish but for all to come to eternal life?
We just celebrated St. Patrick’s Day yesterday. The story of one man’s call from God to return to the land which once enslaved him in order to invite his former enemies to the Table of Christ. If you want to know more about Patrick’s story. Click on one of the Links below:
(4) St. Patrick’s Day – The TRUE Story Behind the Legend – YouTube
What was St. Patrick’s Real Name? Complete Guide
There are other stories, both in the Bible and in History, where God uses believers to reach out to their enemies and invite them to know Our Lord. What a marvelous God of Grace we serve.
May we truly be transformed into His image from Glory to Glory as we ponder the heart of this Wonderful God, whom we have the privilege of belonging to because of the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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