Psalm 23:5-6 KJV
[5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
David wrote the words of this psalm, and whilst we do not know the context of the song, we know the direct application of the message in the song to our everyday life. I read the verses above, and I cannot but cast an eye on the verses that come before the ones above. The psalm starts with this very direct message: 'the Lord is my Shepherd'. It has to be the start of any conversation about safety, security, provision, protection and guidance. How would I place a demand on resources that I am not entitled to? How can I claim benefits of a country of which I am not a citizen of? Any attempt to claim anything from such a country will amount to fraud, and the consequences could be imprisonment or even deportation.
As it is in the physical, so is it in the spiritual. God also has a Kingdom, of which there are loyal subjects who can lay claim to all the benefits and blessings of that Kingdom. In this Kingdom, there can be no fraud, where someone uses deception and lies to claim what s/he is not entitled to. The Lord has to be my Shepherd, if I am to take hold of what sheep are entitled to get. Am I part of His sheepfold, or am I still my independent contractor, subject to no one and under the direct control and influence of the old man? It is quite clear that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, so coming to God has to be on God's own terms, not mine. He has made clear what terms and conditions for engagement apply, and also supplied the grace of access, so I can come in. Why not walk in?
A few of the benefits of walking in are listed in the verses above. It does not matter what the quality and quantity of the opposition against me are; as long as God is on my side, I know victory is sure. In fact, right in front of the opposition, He prepares a table before me so that all men may see. He anoints my head with oil to show that I am His own, equipped with all I need to make impact and change lives. He not only secures my present; He also has a guarantee in place for my future. His Goodness and mercy follow me down here on earth, all the way until I get into eternity with God. With all that I am entitled to get, what excuse do I have not to come to Him for salvation? He is able to save to the uttermost all who come to Him. Come as you are, and take hold of that which He is and has. Your eternity will be glad you did. God's time of favour is here.
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