“The Lord . . prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalm 23:5 NIV
“The table He prepares is every bit as much about the person invited, as it is the menu.”
My thoughts today suggest you “come hungry.”
My wife knows how to “prepare a table.” I guess I too easily take that for granted, assuming that when I come home from the office, she will have made plans for our dinner together. She has built an expectation for something special – healthy, nourishing, and satisfying. Right now, Gayle is out of town with one of our granddaughters for a few days before her college classes resume.
I just got home feeling a little hungry, and looking in the refrigerator provided no inspiration to me. There are things available there, but they seem like odd bits and pieces to me. Any of them could satisfy my hunger, but none seem to sufficiently whet my appetite. I am not enough of a cook to either know what to prepare or how best to do so. Of course, I would not starve. I could adequately feed myself, but “preparing a table” is much more than that. At best, my efforts would be a simple, one dish affair – absolutely nothing compared to the table Gayle could prepare with even the most modest of means.
Today’s verse suggests that what the Shepherd provides is a table prepared with thoughtful consideration and pre-planning. I grew up in a home like that. Supper wasn’t just about eating at my Mom’s table; it was about sitting together, being together, enjoying and sharing life together. The Shepherd’s provision is not at all related to the “just anything will do” idea. Merely putting something on the table to appease an appetite is not what God is about. See Ephesians 3:20.
I am going to make some assumptions about truly “preparing a table.” I would assume that a host or hostess with a spirit of hospitality considers: the tastes of their guest, their likes and dislikes – and their appetite, whether modest or ample – and the pleasure and enjoyment of their guests. But still there is more to “preparing a table.” Gayle would be as careful and thoughtful about the presentation as the preparation – the china, silverware, and goblets appropriate to the casual or formal occasion. A meal is not only about food to eat; anybody can do that. Preparing a table is an event with attention to the smallest touches – complementary tastes, pleasing flavors, and table settings. And that table prepared is every bit as much about the person invited, as it is the menu.
That’s what I envision when I read “The Lord . . prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies . . my cup overflows.” The table He prepares has you personally in mind. At the table the Lord prepares, enemies are kept at bay, worries are set aside, wounds are healed, and refreshment of soul is offered. Maybe you need that kind of place today. Maybe you have longings unmet until you wonder if there is any answer for them. Jesus is the answer! Ephesians 3:17-19 NLT.
When Jesus miraculously fed a crowd of thousands with a young boy’s small lunch, He first directed the disciples to have the people “sit down . . and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted . . (until) they all had enough to eat.” Read John 6:1-14 NIV. I observe an obvious connection between their willingness to be seated and the resulting satisfaction they enjoyed. If you are looking for satisfaction of heart and soul, I know the one Person who will provide that. A wondrous table of abundance He prepares, waiting just for you. What are you waiting for?
My prayer for you today is that you come often and linger long at the table prepared.