Thou Preparest a Table Before Me

Psalm 23:5

I think we can all agree that a table is for eating. David picks up on this theme with the words, “Thou Preparest a Table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” In some of the finest sheep countries of the world, especially in the Western United States and Southern Europe, the high plateaus of the sheep ranges are always referred to as “mesas.” We know them from the Spanish word for, “tables.”  

The shepherd knows there are some things he needs to get rid of. First, there are poisonous weeds in certain areas, known as white camas. These little weeds flourish, with white bell-shaped flowers, and can be pretty to look at, but if a sheep grazes on them, the poison in that weed will paralyze them, and death is imminent. Secondly, there are wild animals. The good shepherd leaves nothing to chance when it comes to the welfare of His flock.

Are there poisonous weeds for you? They may be little things that whittle away at your spiritual well-being. They may be activities that are a real joy to participate in, but if we’re not careful to keep them within limits, they could begin to blind you to even greater opportunities to use your time, talents, and treasures in the Shepherd’s service. The shepherd also goes ahead of his flock to ensure that certain things are prepared and ready. He checks the water supply; He looks for the best places for His flock to bed down. In other words, He pays special attention to every detail ensuring that His flock has the best possible stay at this table.

How good it is to know that Jesus Himself is the one who prepares “our” table. He is the one who goes ahead of us, leading us in every situation, anticipating what dangers we may encounter, and keeping us safe.  Stop to think what it costs our Good Shepherd to personally prepare a table for us. To be invited to this feast, the Lord’s Supper is the greatest honor we can experience in life on this side of heaven. Yes, a table is for eating. His table is designed for much more than just eating. When we come to His table, the table He prepares for us, He tells us just how much he loves and cares for each of us. Although we in no way deserve to be treated with such grace and mercy, He is Our Shepherd, and we are His flock and He preparest a table before us in the presence of our enemies.