Day 31 | The Prepared Table
Envision this for a moment: You’re at a great banquet, and the Lord your God has prepared it! He sets the table, cooks the food, and lovingly serves you!
Why would God do this? It is an extension of His lavish care. He is our Good Shepherd - there is none other who lives with us (in us!), leads us, and serves us because He loves us. Pause and allow that to humble you for a moment. Worship your Creator, who thinks so highly of you, no matter what you think you deserve.
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
Who am I that you are mindful of me,
Your sheep, that you care for us? -Psalm 8:3-4 (Paraphrase)
Pause and worship God. Thank Him for His great love and presence. Thank Him that He loves you and thinks the world of you!
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. -Psalm 139:14
The table represents peace and abundance. Once again, there is no lack with God our Good Shepherd. Sure, there are enemies around us. Jesus even warned us of this. But He also told us not to worry. We can have peace, because the victory is His.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. -John 16:33
Can you think of another banquet that Scripture says God is preparing?
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear.”
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
-Revelation 19:
God prepares a table before you right now, in this world, in the presence of your enemies, trials, and stress. He offers peace, abundance, rest, and nourishment. Don’t ignore it and rush by, for if we cannot sit and enjoy the table God has prepared for us right now, how will we be ready and worthy to sit at His banquet in the end times?
Jesus is returning, and He knows who has followed Him as sheep and who refuses to submit to His lead:
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. -Matthew 25:31-32
REFLECT
Do I allow God to serve and care for me? Do I submit to His care, and acknowledge that He made me wonderfully with great purpose and plan?
Can I find peace in the midst of any circumstance because God is with me and He is all I need?
Am I ready for the marriage feast of the lamb? If Jesus returned today, am I ready? What conversations would I have so that others are ready too?
PRAYER
Oh Lord, may we sit at the table you prepare for us. May we rest when you say rest, may we be nourished by the food of your Word, may our cup be filled to overflow because we have spent time with you. At your table we find peace, no matter what is going on around us. You don’t promise the road will be easy, but you promise to be with us.
Jesus, I surrender to you. Holy Spirit, have your way in me. Shape me, mold me, so that I may be ready when Jesus comes again. I give my heart and my life to follow you fully!
TAKE ACTION TODAY
Surely the Spirit has been speaking to you today (or for a while). Act on that conviction and do not delay. Make sure the message is consistent with the character of God and Scripture, and then follow His lead and obey.