Picture This – The Banquet Table

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalms 23:5

This verse in Psalms is familiar to many but you may not have noticed something.

Picture this:  Envision a large banquet hall with a long table sitting in the middle.  The table is filled with everything good and in great abundance.  All the dinnerware; plates, cups, utensils, napkins and such are all laid out to perfection.  It’s the King’s stuff and His servants have prepared it.  The table is set with fine food and drink and there you are sitting in the seat of honor.

In front of you is the great “cloud of witnesses”, (Hebrews 12:1), and others who are overjoyed that you are there and are being honored.  You see their smiling faces all up and down the wall.  You turn around, however,  and see behind you all your enemies.  There are some who lied about you, who hurt you, who betrayed you, and maybe one who wanted you dead.  There are also several demons back there who have tried to “steal, kill, and destroy” you, (John 10:10), with their lies, deceptions, and tricks.  But here you are, being honored by the King, and your enemies can’t do a thing about it.  They have to just stand there and watch you being honored.  They’re mad but they can’t touch you, “Touch not mine anointed.” Psalms 105:15.  What great feelings of peace and joy fill your heart!

This scene is usually thought of as being in Heaven but…..will people or even demons who are your enemies be in Heaven?  I don’t think so.  This scene is on earth.  You have been faithful and obedient and God is rewarding you.  What a great picture!