Jul. 2, 2022

Psalm 23 5-6 KJV...Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies

There isn’t much people can agree on in today’s atmosphere (especially in the United States) because our views are way out of line (no matter what side of the political spectrum you are a part of) and anger is at the forefront of every conversation but The 23rd Psalm is one that can calm every ones temper because reading it reminds us, “GOD IS AWESOME”…we are not.  

It is a Psalm we learned as kids and has remained in our consciousness and is so profound and part of our being we (like our parents) have taught it to our children, grands and great grands.

It covers “The Shepherd” because He is to be Obeyed…”The Traveller” because they are to be rested…”The Wanderer” because they are to be restored…”The Timid” because they are to be comforted. But today I would like to draw your attention to verses 5 & 6…”The Warrior” because they should eat and not fear the enemy…”The Priest” because He is to be anointed and “The Pilgrim” because they are to be housed.

“Warriors” in verse 5 are those of who have no regret and do not apologize because they are devoted to God and will do battle when their faith is tested by those who do not believe and have no room for or need God in their lives.

In today’s world, even those who say they believe but seemingly have no room in the belief for “TRUTH” …choosing certain parts of God’s Truth when it fits their narrative but forget about what God say’s and requires of us when it goes against the narrative or crowd.

Some are all in on right to life but not in when the life is coming cross the southern border and looks different. All life is important but not enough to pass gun legislation to protect our children and now want teachers to carry weapons instead of passing legislation to protect them.

It is because of these and other issues “Warriors” area a great description of those of who dare to sit at the table before us in the very presence of those who don’t like us (our enemies) because the God we serve has always told us not to fear.

Verse 4 lays it out for the “Warriors” …Yea, though I walk “through the valley of the shadow of death, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL… WHY…For thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. “So…FEAR… Fear What?

Be afraid because our GOD prepared a table for us in their presence? No...not only has He prepared the table…He has anointed our head with oil because He is the host, we are the guest. The custom of that time was to treat guests in your home special, with honor.

Luke 7:36-49 is the story of Jesus being invited by a Pharisee to his home to eat. But instead of the gentlemen offering the hospitality, a sinful woman with an Alabaster box of ointment did by using her tears to wash Jesus feet, using that expensive ointment on Jesus feet and then drying His feet with her hair.

The epitome of humility by the sinful woman was overlooked by the Pharisee. And because of her honoring Jesus…tho a sinner in verse 48…Jesus tells her that her sins are forgiven…In verse 50 Jesus tells her “Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. It is worth noting that even though we don't live in biblical days, if you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and saviour, your humility and desire to want to have Jesus is what will save you and give you eternal life.

Romans 10:9-10 KJV says If thou will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved. For with the heart man, woman, boy or girl believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:13 KJV says For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

As Jesus did for the woman, Verse 6 of the 23rd Psalm gives us a “Blessed Assurance”…Surely Goodness and mercy shall follow them…not one or two or several days…but All the days of our life. And because of our Great God and His Goodness and Mercy toward us…I, you, we  will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Thank You Lord for your Word