The Good Shepherd: Devotions Inspired by Psalm 23Prøve

## Enjoy the Feast By Matthew Hernandez As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:9–13 (ESV) Several years ago, a friend helped me build an eight-foot table for my dining room. It stayed in my garage unfinished for a couple of weeks until one tragic day when I tried to move it, and the planks that made up the top of the table all fell out. I already know what you’re thinking, and you’re probably right. Thankfully my wife’s grandfather came to the rescue and fixed the table, and it’s the very one I sit at today to write this devotional. This table is the heart of our home. It holds a stringently strict no-phones-allowed policy—the conversations we have here with our family and closest friends are sacred and intentional. These moments mean so much to us that we have a rule in our family—whenever anyone comes over for dinner, we ask them to sign and date the bottom of our table. And when my family is upstairs, I often head to the dining room to lay under the table and read all the notes and signatures. As I look at each of the names and dates, I reflect on the times we spent around the table—the stories shared over a great meal, the laughs, and the tears. You see, something special happens when we slow down and gather around the table. We recapture the lost art of eye contact. We share stories of victory and defeat. In these moments, I feel God’s presence and see His goodness the most. I believe what happens around the table is not just sacred; it is also holy. All throughout Scripture, we see God has a way of showing up at tables; the tables of Passover and communion are central in the lives of people in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. And when we deliberately choose to make that time of gathering around the table central to our lives, it becomes an opportunity for us to remember and feel the blessings of God. Several years ago, I went on a trip to Ireland and spent time walking through a park in Glendalough. I eventually happened upon a clearing that the locals said was called “The Thin Place”—where the supernatural meets the natural. In Christianity, these places have historically been sacred sites where worshippers could meet with the Holy Spirit and receive His guidance. For me, my dining table is a “Thin Place.” It’s a place where I meet with God and feel near to His heart. During His years walking upon this earth, Jesus invited many people to draw close to Him at the table, and those people took Him up on His invitation. Matthew 9 tells us of a time where we not only see Jesus reclining at a table but also see the tax collectors and sinners who were with Him and His disciples reclining at the table. Listen, friends, you don’t relax and recline unless you’re comfortable. Jesus was perfectly at ease, and He made those with Him feel at ease too. No matter what they brought to the table from their past or present experiences, Jesus wasn’t afraid to enter their stories—and He’s not afraid to enter yours either. With all our brokenness and failures, Jesus meets us right where we are and reclines at the table with us. I’ve found hope and healing at the table. It’s marked me for the better, and the good news is we are all invited to be part of it. Psalm 23:5 says God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies. Despite our imperfections, brokenness, and the enemies that may surround us, God invites us to His table to experience His goodness. So pull up a chair, recline in His goodness, and enjoy the feast, my friends; it’s a good one. ### PRAYER Lord, today I give thanks for the table—the fellowship I share with my friends and family with You in the midst. Every time I come to the table, remind me of the invitation You give, welcoming all to Your table. When I sit down to nourish my body at the table, may it also be an opportunity to nourish my soul and experience Your presence and Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ### FOR FURTHER REFLECTION * Ask the Holy Spirit how you can approach the table differently and more intentionally the next time you sit down to enjoy a meal. * Pray about people in your life who you can invite to sit down at the table with you. Holy Spirit, what are You saying to me today? ### MEMORY VERSE 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