Whose Perspective Is It?
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows,” Psalms 23:5, NIV.
What does Psalm 23 mean “in the presence of my enemies?”
Who’s the enemy?
I have always pictured a table with those in whom I have something against. They have wronged me in some way.
But the truth or reality might be that the enemies present at my particular feast, might be those in whom I have hurt, knowingly and unknowingly.
I never think about it from their perspective, just mine. Because naturally I am a selfish creature. I gravitate towards my opinions, my wants and basically my way.
So, for the past 50 years I have viewed those verses in Psalm 23 in order to make me out to be the hero. I will serve those who have hurt me, because that’s what a child of the king would do—selflessly serve others, all others, even the evil and wicked that God would invite to my table.
But what if God is saying, “Susie, invite those in whom you have injured and have a feast with them. Seek peace and share my joy through forgiveness and with a welcoming heart.”
That would change the menu for sure.
I would then need to think of all these whom I have offended and be concerned about them and their dietary needs. That’s probably what was the cause of offense in the first place, if I’m being honest, that I glanced over them, and never saw them.
If that’s the case, I have a very full table. I know I have been a selfish woman most of my life. I know I haven’t seen people the way God does, but He is indeed teaching me. And I still have a lot to learn.
So, if I view God’s table from His perspective, I’m sure the first course would be humility, followed by repentance and forgiveness. Dessert would be the joy we then share seated together as family. Eating with Jesus.
What does your table look like?
Father,
I love that You forgive and continue to forgive me. I love that You are committed to the sanctification of everyone who calls You Father, LORD, and King.
Thank You for creating in us a clean heart oh God by renewing a right spirit within us. You are so faithful to Your family.
Thank You for watching over us, protecting us from evil and taking away our hearts of stone. You are amazing.
Help us to be mindful of Your calling on our lives—to love You first by obeying You with all our hearts, mind, soul and strength.
Help us to love each other like Jesus did and does, through forgiveness and understanding.
Please fill us to overflowing with Your Spirit of grace, and wisdom so that our fellowship with You is contagious for others, too. You do love all of us so much.
Help us to share Your love with others so our tables will be full in Your presence.
Amen.
They have certainly disbelieved who say, Allāh (God) is the Messiah, the son of Mary while the Messiah has said, O Children of Israel, worship Allāh (God), my Lord and your Lord. Indeed, he who associates others with Allāh (God)- Allāh (God) has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.
They have certainly disbelieved who say, Allāh (God) is the third of three. And there is no god except one God. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment.
So will they not repent to Allāh (God) and seek His forgiveness? And Allāh is Forgiving…
A wonderful perspective, Susie. Much needed. I think we need to continually seek God's perspective on ALL things in life ~ the real key to reflecting and representing Him well as we live here on earth. And developing that perspective doesn't come by doing what comes naturally (as you noted), but by spending time with HIM ~ listening, and learning, and living out what He reveals to us. Oh that our lives would increasingly become that 'sweet smelling aroma' and 'bread and wine' that nourishes and enriches other's lives.