Come to the Table

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies..." Psalm 23:5a

After the Israelites were circumcised at Gilgal, they celebrated Passover for the first time in 40 years (Joshua 5:10). They never celebrated it in the wilderness. But now in the Land of Promise, after the flesh was "rolled away", they finally observe the feast. The Spirit-filled believer will be drawn to the New Testament Passover - the Lord's Table of Communion. When we're in the wilderness we often don't give priority to Communion. Sometimes we need to do a heart-check. Jon Courson says, "When is the last time you sought the Lord, saying "I need to eat and drink of you"? If you make your way to the Lord's Table, even though you, like the children of Israel, might be surrounded by enemies, trials, and problems, you'll find yourself participating in the Spirit-filled life once again."

I also take a broader view on the Lord's Table. When we live in the Promised Land, we are to be in constant communion with God through His Spirit. It's a new way of being with Him. In the presence of our enemies, God prepares a feast for us. What an amazing picture! We would wait for a peaceful moment to have a meal. But God wants us to sit with Him and eat in the midst of the battle. God's not anxious - He's relaxed and confident. He knows the outcome. He knows exactly what we need to meet the challenges ahead. But it's not a drive-through. We have to eat and drink deeply of Him. This is true Communion.

One of my favorite scriptures, Isaiah 55:1-3a says, "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live..."

Joshua 5:11-12 says, "Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year." It's interesting that now in the Land of Promise, the manna ceases. Courson notes that when the Israelites were delivered from Egypt and wandered in the wilderness they saw more signs and wonders than any other people group in history. Yet it was unbelief that kept them from entering the Land. As we see many times in the New Testament, seeing miracles doesn't produce faith. It comes from hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). In the Land of Promise we are sustained by the "formidable fruit" rather than the "miraculous manna".

In the Spirit-filled life, we are invited to continually dine with the Lord and feast on His Word. Our faith is steadfast regardless of visible miracles. The fruit of the Spirit in our lives is truly miraculous.

Thought Question: Is there a situation in your life where you feel surrounded "in the presence of your enemies"? Ask God to lead you to His table and show you the amazing "food" He has for you. Try to relax and sense His confidence and control in the situation.