[Unboxing Psalm 23] My Cup Runs OverSample

You Prepare A Table

In the past four verses of Psalm 23, David has praised his Great Shepherd’s care. He has shared that the Shepherd makes him complete and gives him peace, righteousness, and companionship. Now, David continues his praise.

The Lord loves to prepare things, and David credits the Lord for the preparation he sees before him. God prepared this world for the creation of human beings in Genesis 1. He prepared this world for Him to be in it, and He prepared us for Him to be in us through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. God is in everything around us.

God also prepared good works for us to walk in, the works through which we serve and worship Him. What are these good works He has prepared? A kind word to someone who needs it, a glass of water given to someone who is thirsty, doing your job, loving your spouse and your children. These good works expand the presence of the kingdom of God here on Earth, no matter how mundane they may seem.

Some scholars say that preparing a table compares to the way a shepherd goes before the sheep to the highlands. That is where the best grazing and water are, as well as an abundance of enemies. The shepherd goes first to prepare the table, the plateau, for the sheep to come after and enjoy the feast. He takes care of any predators and poisonous plants that may harm his sheep.

There is a beautiful connection between what a shepherd does for his sheep and what Jesus did for us. Jesus has gone before us, taking on every temptation and all our diseases. Jesus conquered our greatest enemies, sin and death, on the cross. He prepared a feast for us! He went before us, took care of our enemies, and put the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us so we would never be alone. His blood and His broken body are the table prepared before us. The incredible amount of love Jesus has for us made Him willing to endure all the suffering of the cross so that we could be with Him for all eternity.

Reflect on the cost Jesus paid in preparing a table before you. Do you recognize His sacrifice every day? Do you recognize His presence? Do you recognize the table prepared for you? If so, how do you respond to Him?