A Table with Enemies

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies” Psalm 23:5a KJV

 

What are we to learn from the implications of this oft-overlooked but familiar passage?  Our Lord prepares a table for us to dine in the presence of our enemies.  It is He that is the Master of the house, selecting those who will dine, the lamb and the lion, friend and foe.  If yesterday’s post left you hungering for warfare against the enemies of your flesh, take comfort in knowing that they have no power or authority except that which is granted by the Lord God Himself.  He prepares the table in accordance with His will for you to know your enemies.  This isn’t a peacetime meal of two sworn enemies finally making a truce, it’s a declaration by God that you are His and that none shall harm you, yet at the same time an introduction to your adversary.  At the Lord’s Table, all your nourishment has been provided, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh” (John 6:51 ESV) and your thirst satisfied, “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14 ESV)

 

Consider for a minute Job, a pillar of faith and strength in the face of adversity.  Satan had no power, except that allowed by God, “And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” Job 1:12 ESV The table was prepared before Job and he had been given all that he needed at the supper of the Lord to withstand the attacks, knowing full well the Lord was in control at all times.  Remember also the “Rock” of the early church, Peter, as the Lord Jesus tells him of the enemy desires, “”Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat.” (Luke 22:31 ESV)  Demand as he may, the enemy could not touch Peter except he go through the Lord first.  Take comfort in this Christian, it is God that prepares the table, never the enemy.  Christians, do not be afraid to dine with your enemies.  Get to know their strategies, methods, and your own exploited areas of weakness during this time and take heart in knowing that it is the Lord who has prepared this banquet and provided you with sustenance necessary for victory.

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Christian saved by grace through faith.

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