Devotion:
Read Psalm 23:5.
Years ago, I was listening to a teacher who mentioned this verse from Psalm 23 and I have never forgotten what he said about it. Since Old Testament times in the culture of the Middle East, to eat with someone means you are in a good relationship with them. There is peace between you and them. You welcome them.
So if God is preparing “a table before me in the presence of my enemies” it seems to me that God is wanting me to invite them to dinner? This table is not just for me to enjoy a good meal. It has a much deeper, even divine, purpose. God is inviting me to reconcile with them. It certainly is fitting for this God who has continually reached out to the same humans who rebelled against him and thereby became his enemies. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:18 - “All of these new things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and who gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” Paul even connects to this Psalm verse on a more practical level in Romans 12:20 - “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink.”
So, God has prepared a table before you in the presence of your enemies. Who do you need to invite to dinner?
Personal Worship Option:
Pray for the wisdom and courage you need to forgive a particular person, family or group.
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