Of Feasts and Enemies

Psalm 23 (the one that starts, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want (lack),” is a favorite chapter of a many Christians around the world. It’s sort of a spiritual go-to comfort food for anyone going through a hard time, providing a sense of peace, hope, and gratitude when things don’t outwardly look all that great. I myself have often found comfort in verse 5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.” This was originally penned by David, the second king of Israel (yeah, the “David and Goliath” David), when he was hiding out in caves because Saul, the first king of Israel, was jealous and paranoid of David’s growing reputation. In essence, David realized that God was looking out for him even when his worst enemy was looking for him. And for those who find comfort in reading this psalm, that realization pervades to this day.

But while contemplating on this verse today, I got a rather odd picture in my mind: a cartoon picture of a smiling, happy baker proudly presenting a cake to serve to those around him. A thought flashed in my minds: given the context of the verse, were those other people his enemies? Enter the epiphany. Not to take anything away from the common understanding of the verse, but…

Proverbs 25:21 states, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him.” The New Testament book of Romans takes it a step further: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” (Romans 12:20, NLT)*

What if The LORD prepares a table for us in the presence of my enemies so we can have what it takes to feed them?

We have rights, we want to protect them.  I understand that in today’s western society this is a complicated issue. But is it, really? Or maybe, just maybe, we selfishly want to have what God provides without wanting to really listen to what he says, humble ourselves a little bit, and share those blessings with people we don’t agree with? Sure, we’ll follow God and glut ourselves on His provisions, but do we even think to hold out our overflowing cups so someone else can get some, too? Jesus commanded us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, to pray for those who despitefully use or persecute us.** Jesus taught that if someone compels you to go a mile, go with them two. (Yes, that’s where we get the phrase “go the extra mile” from.)  After all, it’s what He did for us before we were Christians. He didn’t protect his legal rights, but gave up his very life for us, even though he didn’t have to.

What would happen if we ALL lived by those words, instead of wasting so much time and energy fighting for our rights?

Well, I need to wrap this up. My wife has just told me she is making breakfast. Full disclosure, she was a bit confused when I asked her if we were enemies. 😉

So what do you think? As always, please feel free to comment, ask any questions, or just say hi!

PS: Enjoy the Ride!!

*  Disclaimer: “Burning coals” doesn’t mean dumping hot charcoal on them to set them on fire, it means give them cause to reflect on their behaviors to change how they’ve been acting.

** Note He said to pray for them – their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs – not just about them. Pray for them like they themselves would, if they knew they could pray.