IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR ENEMIES

 

DECEMBER 1, 2023

Psalm 23:5

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

On the night before facing the realities of death on the cross, Jesus gathered with His disciples to celebrate the Passover. Here he was, the Lamb of God, the One who would soon shed His blood to atone for the sins of the world, remembered the blood of lambs painted on the doorposts and beams of Israelite homes in Egypt. It was shed blood that saved and liberated God’s people then, as it would be the case following the “Last Supper” of Jesus with his disciples.

The night that Jesus celebrated in Jerusalem, His enemies, "Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel," plotted against Him (Acts 4:27b). The disciple Judas Iscariot, who would betray Jesus, was present at the table until the time of Jesus' betrayal drew near. Earlier that same evening the Lord had called His disciples "friends" (John 15:15b), but later that same night the disciples would forget that friendship and flee from the Savior to save themselves.

You likely know how things unfolded, Peter would deny Jesus and swear that he did not even know his Lord. Jesus came to the table while His enemies schemed in the city. He shared a meal with His betrayer and with disciples who would abandon Him to His captors. Yet that night at the table, in the presence of enemies and friends who would soon run from Him, Jesus offered to His disciples and to us the gift of His body and blood, given and shed for the forgiveness of our sins. Taking up the bread and wine, Jesus said, "This is My body .... this is My blood" (Matthew 26:26b, 28a).

In the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, a table is prepared for us in the presence of our enemies. Perhaps we have real human enemies of some kind, people who wish us harm. As Christians, we face the opposition of a skeptical world, as Jesus warned us: "I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:19b). We may face the "enemies" of our own thoughts, our doubts and fears, our guilt and shame, as we wonder are we worthy of Jesus’ gift?

Take notice, in the presence of our enemies, Jesus welcomes us, He welcomes all people, to the table that He has prepared for us. At this table Jesus invites us to receive His body and blood, forgiving our sins, nourishing our faith and assuring us of His triumph over every enemy. The Lord’s table overflows with His grace and mercy.

Lets us remember this the next time we receive from the table of our Lord.

Lord Jesus, I give You thanks and praise for the table You have prepared for me in the presence of my enemies. Amen.