By: Leslie Allen, Atherton Resident since 2014
Scripture:Psalm 23: 5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.”
Questions for reflection and application:
- In the midst of the circumstances of today, how can you feast on God’s provision and peace?
Even if you face discouragements, what are the overflowing extras of God that you can number to bring about a sense of peace and praise?
Thought for today:
We do not follow a stingy shepherd. King David here mixes several metaphors in an effort to describe the abundant, careful provision of God for us. Soldiers on the battlefield must eat snatches of food when they can. Here, our shepherd has carefully created for his army a lavish meal where we can feast without hurry. He gives peace to our hearts in the midst of the war in our lives. Then David takes us off the battlefield and into a banquet hall where we are the guests of honor. In ancient times, it was common for a host to anoint his guests with some expensive, fragrant perfume to show love and respect. You are not just one of the many mangy sheep in the frustrating flock that the shepherd must constantly correct and rescue.
You are a welcomed and honored guest whose place is at the head table right beside our generous God. It was also common for the host to give his guest a cup or glass of some choice wine, which he would be careful to fill till it runs over. This was a sin that while they remained there, the guest of honor should have an abundance of everything. Remember the words of Romans 8:32: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Our God has blessed us in such overflowing ways, we can never number them all.We can thank God for all the extras we have opportunity to enjoy in life, and like a special guest invited to God’s party, we enjoy his peace, provision, protection and personal welcome.
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