We’ve arrived at the end of another week. Take some time to meditate once more on Psalm 23. Work on committing these words to memory so that they can encourage and comfort you whenever you need them. Invite the Spirit to speak to you through God’s word.
Reflect
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (Psalm 23:5)
Psalm 23:5
How does the image painted by Psalm 23:5 resonate with you? When you think of Yahweh as the host of a great banquet to which you are invited, how does that affect your thinking and emotions? How will it affect your actions?
Connect
Because we’ve all been taking precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19, it’s been a while since most of us attended a big party or sat in a room full of people celebrating an important occasion. Weddings have been postponed, graduation parties canceled, and birthday celebrations limited to immediate family. When this crisis is over, it’s going to feel good to get out and celebrate! I can’t wait to sit around tables with loved ones and enjoy being together. But as good as those reunions are going to be, they won’t compare to the one that’s coming.
Imagine the world’s best banquet. The food is delicious, the company is sublime, and the host is not only generous in what he serves, but with his presence. There is no conflict or awkwardness. Everyone feels comfortable and welcome. God promises us such a time of feasting and celebration at the end of days, and Revelation calls it a wedding feast. As amazing as the image is, the church will be Christ’s bride and we will all celebrate at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6–9).
Until that day, we gather around another table for another meal. As Christ’s expectant bride, we celebrate the Lord’s supper. We remember the sacrifice our Lord made and experience his presence through the bread and the cup. We unite to share this meal with fellow believers as brothers and sisters in Christ in our own local community, knowing that the Lord’s Supper is celebrated by believers all over the world. Because of the new covenant in his blood, we know that this table is a mere foretaste of the one that is to come.
Both tables are open to anyone who longs to be fed and looks to Jesus for the soul satisfaction that nothing else provides. All those who are looking for a place to belong can find a seat at God’s table.
Respond
Spend some time with Yahweh. Thank him for his loving care and generous provision in your life. Bring all your concerns are worries to him. He hears you and wants to care for you.
Consider how you can share your overflowing cup with others. That can be through gifts of time, resources, or money. Ask God how you should respond. On Christ Fellowship’s website, cfonline.church, we have listed opportunities to reach out to those in need in our community.
