The Preparation of the Table
INTRODUCTION
As one meditates on this magnificent poem, it is helpful to keep in mind that the poet is recounting the events of the full years in a sheep’s life. He takes us with him from the home ranch where every need is so carefully supplied by the owner, out into the green pasture, along the still waters, up through the mountain valleys to the high tablelands of summer.
This verse has been referred to as a passage of transition. It is here that the Shepherd and sheep seem to change to Host and guest. My divine Host has “prepared a table before me.” It is not a secret feast, but enjoyed in the presence of my enemies. His provision is wonderfully lavish, a table laden with food, perfumed oil to anoint my head, and an overflowing cup. In verses 2, 3, He, Himself, will lead me, so His goodness and mercy (love) will follow me (6). He will guard me behind and before, throughout all the days of my life. Finally, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
This passage, verse 5, speaks of the infinite resources in the worst of situations. The understanding of this passage is in one word, “table.”
I. THE SHEPHERD’S PREPARATION. 5
“You prepare a table before me”
Table does not necessarily refer to a piece of furniture but the word simply means “something spread out.” Flat places in the hilly country were called tables and sometimes the shepherd stopped the flock at these tables and allowed them to eat and rest as they headed for the fold.
Ps 78:19. “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?”
David refers to table as the entire high summer range, normally in remote and hard to reach places. Before the shepherd would lead his sheep there, he would make preliminary survey trips in order to prepare the way for his flock.
While there, the shepherd would check to see if there were poisonous weeds and he would take drastic steps to eradicate them. Often, he would find beautiful flowers that were a deadly menace to sheep.
The Shepherd also had an eye for predators: wolves, coyotes, cougars, and bears. Therefore, he would go ahead of them and hunt or track these predators.
He would also clear out any water holes, springs, and drinking places for his flock.
I hope by now you get the picture. The shepherd makes all the necessary preparations in order to offer the best of care for his flock.
II. THE SHEPHERD’S PROVISION. 5
The parallel in the Christian’s life is that Christ, our Great Shepherd, has, Himself, already gone before us into every situation and every extremity that we might encounter.
Hebrews 12:2, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
“author” – Pioneer Trailblazer; wherever you are, He’s been.
Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
He has known our sufferings, experienced our sorrows, and endured our struggles in this life; He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Because of this, He understands us; He has totally identified Himself with the sheep (humanity). He has a care and compassion for us beyond our ability to grasp. No wonder He makes every possible provision to ensure that when we have to cope with Satan, sin or self, the contest will not be one-sided.
Even though the preparations and provisions have been made, it does not mean they will not have problems on the “tableland.” Predators can still attack; poisonous weeds can still grow; storms and gales can still come; and a dozen other hazards can haunt the high country.
III. THE SHEPHERD’S PRESENCE. 5
In John 10:10, Jesus said He came to give us life and to give it abundantly. He is pleased when He sees us flourish on the tablelands of a life that He has made possible for us.
Part of the mystery and wonder of Calvary, of God’s love to us in Christ, is bound up with the deep desire of His heart to have us live on a higher plane. He longs to see us living above the mundane level of common humanity. He is so pleased when we walk in the way of holiness, of selflessness, of serene contentment in His care, aware of His presence and enjoying the intimacy of His companionship.
When we think of the “table prepared in the presence of our enemies,” it is not always apparent to us what tremendous personal cost it has been for Christ to prepare the table for His own. Just as the lonely, personal privation of the sheepman who prepares the summer range for his sheep entails a sacrifice, so the lonely agony of Gethsemane, of Pilate’s Hall, of Calvary, have cost our Shepherd much.
When I come to the Lord’s Table and partake of the communion service, which is a feast of thanksgiving for His care and love, do I fully appreciate what it has cost Him to prepare this table for me?
IV. THE SHEPHERD’S POWER. 5
“You anoint my heard with oil”
In short, how easy it is for there to be a fly in the ointment of even my most lofty spiritual experience. So often it’s the small, petty annoyances that ruin my repose; speaks of distraction or irritations in my own life. Yet, here is my Shepherd (the Lord Jesus) with a fresh application of His antidote; a renewed application, a continuous anointing of God’s gracious Spirit.
Psalms 92:10
“But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox;
I have been anointed with fresh oil.”
He, alone, makes it possible for us to react to aggravations and annoyances with quietness and calmness. Even as the flies almost drove the sheep crazy, the Shepherd was there to anoint them.
Luke 11:13, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"
V. THE SHEPHERD’S PLENTY. 5
“My cup runs over” – speaks of the actual enjoyment of His abundant provision; no lacking. Why shouldn’t our cup overflow? The only barrier to the enjoyment of the blessings of Ps 23 is a lack of trust in the Shepherd.
Since the essence of the Christian life is others, it only stands to reason that when our “cup runs over,” it overflows to others.