Psalm Twenty-Three is the comfort food of scripture. Still waters and soul restoration beckon me to come aside in this buzzing world. I am drawn to Verse Five as I retread this familiar word path. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,…” (Ps. 23:5NASV) To be so honored as a dinner guest of God…God’s requirements for the tabernacle reveal His Divine tendency for planning a detailed and elegant table.
I suddenly draw a parallel to another Divine table preparation – that scarlet connection thread – the table of Holy Communion. Here, God’s plan for the redemption of mankind is symbolized and remembered repeatedly. God’s preparation for this table, jarring in appearance but decidedly beautiful in its purpose, was conceived in eternity.
At this feast, our redemption is paraded before the very enemy of our souls. “So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise Him up on the last day.’ ” (John 6:53 & 54 NASB)
According to God’s rules of engagement, this is an act of war, in the face of our enemy, and set on repeat. We are partnering with God when we come to this table, remembering His sacrifice as we participate in the ultimate act of worship and warfare. I encourage you to celebrate His hard-fought victory often.
~ Nan Robertson
Christ Fellowship