Psalm 23:5 KJV
[5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
It is interesting to note the reference to enemies, in the midst of a chapter that speaks to the benefits and blessings of being part of the sheepfold of God. I would have thought that being a child of God kept you away from all enemies, foreign or domestic. I have also heard messages that seem to imply that being a child of God meant the end of all opposition or resistance, and that having trials or tough times meant one was not fully submitted to God. The verse above clearly says that this position is not true, and that in fact, part of the package of being a Christian is that one will have enemies, the chief enemy being the devil himself, who has now lost a loyal subject. Whilst one was in the world, the devil did not have to fight you, but be sure that one you change allegiance, the devil will not give you up without a fight. Let this be clear in your heart as you look forward to all that is ahead.
God also has a sense of humour. How can God prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies, if not that He knows that He can keep me safe and secure from all the wiles and schemes of these enemies? Why would God prepare such a table if He was not sure and certain about how He will keep me safe and alive long enough to eat from that table? Why prepare, if He is unable to preserve and protect? Why promise, if He is unable to deliver? I have a God with total and absolute power and authority, whose word cannot be doubted or found to be a lie. I have a God who is called the Almighty God, the Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent. No other person, no matter how powerful or connected, not even the devil, can boast of such credentials. The verse above makes clear that the Shepherd can be trusted, and His work in me cannot be hidden. Men will see and, either by choice or compulsion, they will testify that I am a person that has been blessed by God.
That is the external; the testimony to men. What of the internal? The verse above also says that God anoints my head with oil, and my cup runs over. God does not just sort out the external; He also touches the internal. He anoints me with his oil, a symbol of His presence, the Holy Spirit. I have Him living inside of me, and I have His life flowing in and through me. I have my cup full of His power and might, and I am able to impact my world with His Word. I have more than enough for what I need for life and Godliness, and I also have enough to be a blessing to other people. He will not just fill me up; He will also flow out of me. How else will the world know God, if my life is not the full expression of His power, grace and mercy? Men have to see, and give glory to God in heaven. Now, you have a choice: would you be an enemy before whom God will display His power, or do you want to be the visible reflection of His presence and power? He will be glorified one way or the other. The choice is yours. God's time of favour is here.
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