Set the Table
Psalms 23: 5 CSB
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
As I prepared the table early this morning for our Christmas meal at 1 pm. Resonating inside of me was the phrase, "Set the table." As a kid, I often hated hearing that said to me. A chore! As an adult, it was never ending, three times a day, till you could pass it off to one of the kids, and let them 'set the table.' Now a days, living alone, I rarely 'set the table,' like why bother? It's just me, eat out of the pan if I want to. Less dishes to wash.
But today, there was an anticipation. There will be people around my table to share this Christmas meal. I won't be alone this meal, like most of my meals throughout the year. I could set the table. I could prepare, make it pretty, and hope everyone enjoys the time spent sharing the good food and stories that I'm sure will be passed around about favorite Christmas' past and present.
Even while I was setting the table, I wasn't quite sure how my places to set, as a couple were gonna let me know later this morning if they could make it or not. I still prepared for them whether or not they come. I'd love to have them around my table today.
In Psalms 23 the good shepherd sets a table in the presence of our enemies. I hope today there's not enemies around your table, but there might still be other enemies. Sickness, loneliness, anxiety, sorrow... the list can go on and on. But Jesus is still setting a preparing a table for you. Join the meal, even if there is an enemy present in your life right now. He will anoint your head with oil and let your cup run over. I know anointing your head with oil might not make a lot of sense to our modern world, but with sheep or cattle, you anoint the head with 'oil' to keep off those things like lice, ticks an other things that make life miserable. Those little things in life that keep your minds being miserable. So come to the table take a dip in the oil, and let the cup of blessing overflow to you. There's a table set for you!
There's another table being set today. The one Jesus is preparing for us. The marriage supper of the Lamb. Will you show up for it? Will you be there? You don't want to miss this meal.