SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE

 

Thursday, December 16, 2021

 

SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE

Ps 23:5

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 

          Warren Wiersbe opines that “some students believe there is a change of metaphor here, from the shepherd and his sheep to the host and his guest, but this is not necessarily the case. "Table" doesn't necessarily refer to a piece of furniture used by humans, for 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.”  

 

          That there were enemies nearby should not surprise us. A flock of sheep was a very tempting target of predators. Sheep are timid and generally defenseless without their shepherd guard.

 

          When these two concepts are combined, we view a wonderful scene. The sheep are at rest and enjoying a table spread for them. Enemies growl but cannot attack because the sheep are guarded. How pleasant it is for the sheep to be both fed and protected. This is the state of those who enjoy the leading of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

 

Ps 16:11

11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

 

Ah, Lord God! We pray that the enemies be removed, but you often decide to leave them just beyond reach to remind both us and them of your protection. Thank you, Lord. AMEN