“Life is not fair,” some claim. When they try to place the events of life on a balance sheet, the total seems to be much larger on the negative side of the ledger. They prove their point: Life is indeed unfair.
And if we stop reading Psalm 23 at the end of verse four, it seems that the struggles of life end in victory with no celebration. The battle is over, and we sit silently in comfort and security – but alone. Not so! Our Shepherd becomes a Host, and we are seated at a lavishly set table with an abundance of food.
After a successful battle in the days of David, the victor would be seated in a banquet hall as the ones he defeated stood and watched as he dined before them. They would watch but not enjoy. They were the losers and could not enter the joy of victory.
So our Lord will one day seat us in the presence of those who would have destroyed us. Not only is there the celebration of a feast that signifies victory over life’s trials, but the honor of being anointed with “oil” – the sign of a true celebration. Then we read that our “cup” will be overflowing – a picture of the goodness and grace of God. It represents a picture of Him giving the very best to His child whom He bought at a great price.
In the New Testament, the banquet table is a sign of salvation. We conclude this psalm with a vision of being seated at a banquet with our Savior and Shepherd. A banquet where we will celebrate the joy of our salvation and being with Him forever.
Prayer: We look forward, Lord, to that day when we will rejoice in Your presence forever, first as our Shepherd, then our Savior, now our King! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Psalm 23:5
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