You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...
- Psalm 23:5
It says He prepares a table for us, but it does not say that He makes us sit at the table. It would seem ridiculous for someone not to, but somehow we often imagine ourselves in that place and are actually somewhere else in reality. To imagine it is only the beginning. This scripture is obviously talking primary (but not exclusively) of a spiritual way of life, but take it in the most literal sense for a second. Imagine going to a five-star restaurant. You can begin to see it, hear it, smell it, and even taste it if you really try, but that doesn't actually put the food in your mouth does it.
We can easily imagine ourselves as more spiritual than we really are, but here I'll share with you a couple ways to examine yourself. By no means take this as a rebuke because to know truth and live it is an amazing joy.
In Matthew 22 it describes the wedding banquet of the LORD and His invitation to all people, but not all responded. "See I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding." But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.(Matthew 22:4-5). How could these people turn down such an invitation? They turned it down because they were to concerned with the cares of their own lives, the cares of this world. We must understand that the banquet He has for us is not just blessings or things going well for us. He is the banquet. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life". A good meal isn't just what you eat, it's who you eat it with. How often do we hear the LORD calling us to spend time with Him and we find ourselves to busy with life whether it be work, chores, hobbies, or other relationships. Sometimes we even convince ourselves that He is okay with it because He "knows I need to get this stuff done" or "He knows I'm tired" or whatever other excuse we make, but the bottom line Is He knows every aspect of our lives and knows exactly what He is asking us to give up. Everything you truly need is at His table. That is why He tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.
When God calls us to His table He is not just inviting us to partake of His blessings, He is inviting us to partake of Him, His nature, His character, and all of who HE is. Galatians 6 tells us the fruits (what grows from, & food) of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, self-control, faithfulness, and goodness. When we sit at His table we become more like Him. We eat of His fruit and become like Him. If we begin to operate outside of these characteristics it's a good sign we have left the table. It's a good sign we haven't been in relationship with the LORD as we should be. If you find you're acting outside these fruits of His Spirit then run back to the table and be careful not to leave it. As you go through life keep your mind and heart set on Him and lay aside things He asks you to lay aside so that you never leave the table.
His invitation is always open.

Comments