From the time I dedicated my life to Christ as a young adult until now, the 23rd Psalm has kept giving and giving comforting new insights. In a mere 57 Hebrew words and 15 lines of poetry, this Psalm, written by David after a lifetime of servicing the Lord, still reaches across thousands of years with enduring relevance to our situations. As I was concluding the last SW on Jesus, our sustainer in the midst of a chaotic world, verse five came to mind with new insight. You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies.
The shepherd had led his sheep through the valley of the shadow of death untouched by evil. However, their enemies were still present, despite that fact he had prepared a meal, in fact, a feast. In modern warfare, soldiers carry M.R.E.’s (Meals Ready to Eat—when in battle with their enemies). Not the case for God’s army. The word used for table or feast is a unique word and refers to a table where the king dined and indicated a special honor given to those who ate with him. The shepherd didn’t postpone the meal until all their enemies were destroyed. No, it took place in plain sight of all the enemies.
Life will always be filled with enemies led by Satan with the intent to steal and kill and destroy us. We can allow their presence to paralyze us with fear. Or we can focus on our shepherd and his promised care. Twice Jesus declared I am the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14). David grew up as a shepherd and knew he must care for his sheep’s every need: food, water, rest, safety, and direction. This Psalms provides a glimpse of what Jesus the good shepherd, would do for us—His sheep. Remember all the promises Jesus has given us. They are like a feast set before us.
Jesus, in the final discourse before His crucifixion, said, Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:27). In the midst of our chaotic world, we can feast on peace from Christ. Along with peace, the Bible says we can have joy. Paul proclaimed, in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds (2 Corin 7:4). I rejoice greatly in the Lord (Php 4:10). But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy and peace (Gal 5:22). It is important to know the difference between the happiness and joy. Happiness is a temporary emotion based on outward circumstances and earthly experiences. Joy is lasting, based on inward circumstances rooted in the character and promises of God. Joy endures hardship and trials.
These are only a few promises He left for His sheep. We don’t have to wait until we destroy all our enemies. We don’t have to eat M.R.E.’s in the midst of our chaotic surroundings. He has prepared a spiritual feast for us to enjoy. The key is we must not withdraw in fear or allow things of this world to draw us away from the feast He has made ready. Jesus told a parable, A man once gave a great banquet and invited many guests (Lk 14:16). He sent out his servants with invitations, but those they invited made excuses. They would not attend. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going out to examine them. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I just got married, and I cannot come’ (14:18-20 NET). I wonder what they eat instead of the food at the banquet.
Jesus could have just as easily added a fourth person who replied, “Don’t you see all these enemies around me? I’m sitting here in fear of the enemies that are turning my world into chaos. I’ll just snack on my M.R.E.’s for now.” I saw another insight as I began writing. Every Christian has enemies. I have enemies that may differ from your enemies, and vice versa. The feast is in plain sight of my enemies, not just God’s enemies; they are my enemies.
I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me (Joh 10:14). The leader of our church had lost his sight. I didn’t think he was blind for a long time. He visited us in Africa for two weeks and attended a conference. Several years after that, I unexpectedly ran across him at a meeting. Neither of us knew the other was there. I saw him in the hall and walked over, not identifying myself. “How are you, Bishop?” He immediately stuck out his hand and said, “How are you, Arnold?” Most people don’t remember who knows me by sight. Here was someone who, after years, knew me by my voice. That was exciting for me to be remembered, especially only by my voice. Jesus said the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out (v3). He knows me by my name. He knows you by name.
Sustaining Word for the Week: Are you cowering in fear or more interested in world affairs eating an M.R.E.? Or are you feasting at Jesus’ banqueting table in plain sight of your enemies?