The table, the oil, and the cup. / Psalm 23:5

For over 2 decades, research has been done about locations who have the highest population of people who live beyond 100 years. These locations are called blue zones. Maybe you’ve been to some of the locations: California, Costa Rica, and Ikaria, Greece. Okay, the last one is easy to understand, I think I’d live longer if I lived in Greece!

As researchers studied these populations, they found common habits that seem to enrich and pro-long a persons lifespan. Here are a few: find belonging, eat well, live a purposeful life, and practice meaningful rest.

As I was watching a documentary reveal the research, I kept thinking, “you could have saved yourself 2 decades of study if you read and practiced the Bible.”

There is an age old lie, that if you follow God, all of the fun and happiness will be vacuumed out of your life.

In reality, the opposite is true. Jesus once said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

There are two parties interested in your life. You have enemies. They want to see you destroyed. You have God. He wants to see you blessed in abundance.

This morning, we will meditate on a scene where God invites us into his abundance.

Very simply, this text will give us three images to guide us in the way of the abundant life.

The first image from Psalm 23:5 is...

The Table: The host wants time with you.

You prepare a table before me

In verse five, the scene changes from God as our Shepherd to God as our Host. He protects us and leads us like sheep, and now he provides for us as a friend.

Our hearts inclination toward unbelief may struggle to be comfortable with the thought of God as our host. You may presume, “God is Holy, mighty, and powerful. The whole world is guided by his hand. Why would he slow down to set the plates and polish the silverware? Why would he care for me?”

This seemingly humble thinking misses the whole point of the gospel. Jesus came, died, and rose so that we might be reconciled with God. Relational closeness is the whole point.

Listen to the plea of the apostles, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

Do you view your relationship with God as a table or an office? Do you view him as a boss to be pleased or a host to share a meal with?

When we come to God, we are invited free of charge. We need not bring anything, for everything is already prepared.

Preparation takes time. Preparation takes planning. God is prepared for time with you. He is not in a rush. He has considered all of your needs already. He sole wish for you is to enjoy his presence.

Much of the anxiety that we experience in this life is because we do not believe this verse. If you do not understand that God wants time with you and has prepared all you need to be satisfied, you will go to other tables.

Some of us have been sitting at the table of vain entertainment for too long.

Some of us have been sitting at the table of lustful pleasures for too long.

And some of us have yet to take a seat, because we assume it’s our responsibility to prepare a table for God.

Here is what we are called to do: sit down and eat.

In our anxious age, these simple instructions may be the most difficult because they require trust in God.

When is the last time you left your phone in the other room to talk with your heavenly father?

Do you remember smiling as you think about his love for you?

Only his meal will satisfy. I eat up a lot of youtube videos about my hobby. They never leave me feeling full. In fact, I just want more. In contrast, meditation on one verse in the morning can provide enough sustenance for a full week.

God’s table is always prepared. His table is set up in your car on the way to work. His table is prepared for your morning jog. His table is prepared at 3am when you can’t sleep.

Get full on God’s love. He want’s you to enjoy the meal.

I want you to picture yourself settling in at God’s house for a delicious feast. Just as you begin to break the bread and cut into the meat. The person who makes you most unsettled walks in the room.

Your mind shouts, “What are you doing here!”

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

Oh how I wish, life would read like verse 5 without this little phrase.

You prepare a table before me

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

There will be a day when there will be no enemies in sight. But for you and me, that day has not yet come.

We will become quickly disappointed if we assume that the abundant life excludes enemies and hardships.

David, the author of this Psalm, never experienced the blessing of God apart from the presence of enemies.

At the Kings table, Saul wanted to kill him.

In the years of success, Satan puffed him up with the pride of numerical growth.

In the leisure of a palace, he became his own enemy as he lusted after another mans wife.

Notice that there are three enemies who seek to harm your life.

You have people as enemies.

You have spiritual enemies.

You are your own enemy.

The world, the flesh, and the devil.

Paul once wrote to a young Christian, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Often the most painful thing an enemy will experience is seeing their foe experience happiness. The bright flame of a Christians life will aim to be extinguished by those who love darkness.

But before we assume we’re always in the right, let’s remember Jesus’ teaching, 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”

There is no blessing in being disliked, unless you are disliked for righteousness sake. Christians, sometimes people don’t like us, not because we’re living for Christ, but because we’re rude or acting like jerks. If you dislike those who disagree with you, instead of loving them as Jesus taught, then wouldn’t that make you the enemy?

As we talk about people as our enemies, we must remember that there is an enemy behind our enemy.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Behind the wars in the middle east. Spiritual forces of evil are at work. Behind the killing of innocent unborn human lives, cosmic powers are active. Behind the tongue of gossip at work, demonic authorities are sowing seeds of destruction.

Church, hasn’t it become obvious?

Satan’s influence in the lives of ordinary people should make us angry. But it should also cause us to feel compassion toward people. Even our enemies.

Listen to how the Bible describes those who do not yet know Christ,

“God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”

Jesus once said, “He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives to set at liberty those who are oppressed”

Every non-Christian is a captive to the true enemy. And by Jesus’ victory on the cross, his heart is to set free all who are in oppression and captivity. Is that your heart for your enemies?

It can be if you remember how God treated you when you were opposed to him,

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

The last enemy you face is yourself. Even if you were sitting alone at the table, there would still be an enemy in your presence.

The book of James explains,

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

In one of our bridge groups, Jacob Loya highlighted that you’re both the fisherman and the fish. Sometimes you’re hungry for sin, and you’re the one who’s dangling the lure of temptation in front of your own mouth!

So what’s the solution? Get full at God’s table so you won’t be hungry for sin.

If God wants us to have an abundant life, why does he let the enemy linger? Pastor Dane Ortlund unlocked this question for me. If God is big enough to remove your greatest enemies, trust that he is wise enough to let them stay for a season.

During dark seasons of doubt regarding my assurance of salvation. I could not understand why God was slow to provide relief. Looking back I see how he used that season to take me deeper into an understanding of the gospel.

During this season, I am frustrated that enemies still linger. I wish God would send them away. But no matter where I go, they’re still present. Why? I don’t know. But I know him. I know his table is full for me. I can talk to him at the table. And as I do, the enemy witnesses my enjoyment of God.

Is there greater pain for a true enemy than seeing his foe abundantly blessed? Perhaps Satans greatest future agony will not be his own demise, but our delight.

The second image is...

The Oil: The host has a purpose for you.

you anoint my head with oil;

In the ancient middle east, hosts would anoint the heads of special guests as they entered the home. The anointing is used for several purposes. Oil was used to bring healing and refreshment to the body. Oil was mixed with fragrance for unique honor. And oil was used to provide special recognition. To indicate that a guest was set apart or to confer a unique authority.

David experienced this last type of anointing first hand.

When David was young, he was anointed by the Prophet Samuel to be King over Israel. Though he was a poor young shepherd. Though it would take many years and trails for this purpose to be fully realized. God set him apart to be king.

Anointing, testing, realization.

We see a similar pattern in the lives of people like Joseph, Moses, and even Christ himself.

Occasionally in Christian circles, someone will say as a compliment. Such and such, is anointed. You are an anointed singer. You are an anointed evangelist. If we’re not careful, we can begin to assume that there is a select group of superhero Christians who we all cheer on as they go and save the day.

Thankfully, the Bible explains that every Christian is anointed. Because every Christian has the Holy Spirit.

Listen to First John, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.” “the anointing that you received from him abides in you”

Christian, you have purpose, you have been set apart for God’s good purposes in the world. That is the meaning of the word sanctified. To be sanctified is to be set apart.

One of my professors illustrated this principle in a way I may never forget.

Toothbrush and Sponge.In my house I have many items. There are two I use every day. My toothbrush and a sponge for the dishes. I need them both. I use them both. But my tooth brush, is set apart to clean my teeth. Maybe I have an old toothbrush that I’ll use to remove a greasy pan, but not the one I use for my teeth! I even have a special holder for my toothbrush. My sponge is set apart for my dishes. Perhaps I could use a new sponge to brush my teeth, but it would be pretty ineffective. They both are in my house. They both belong to me. They both are set apart. But for unique purposes.

Christian, you are anointed. This is not a letter to be placed on your jacket for a good performance. If you’re on the team, you have a role. If you’re a part of the body, you have a part.

Charles Felts, you are anointed with faith.

Debbie Starnes, you are anointed with the gift of serving.

Bill Vickers, you are anointed with the gift of encouragement.

Pasty Rogers, I’ve heard you are anointed in teaching.

All are anointed. All are unique.

How can you discover, your Spirit given gift? Far better than taking a test. Begin serving in ministry! As you do, here are a few questions to consider.

What does God say? (I may be naturally weak in mercy, but there is a time for me to weep with those who weep. You may desire to be a deacon, but if you do not meet the qualifications in scripture. You are not ready to be a deacon.)

What does your conscience say? (Is there an area of passion or a group that needs your help? Perhaps, if your the only one that sees a problem, you’re the one who’s called to fix it.)

What does your church say? (If you are constantly being affirmed in a particular area by mature Christians, it’s likely that you are gifted in that area.)

As Pastor J.D. Greear once wrote, “You’re called to ministry. But you’re not called to every ministry.” Christian, if you’re attending church regularly, and not serving. Everyone loses. You’re missing out on the joy of serving in your area of purpose. And we’re missing out on your contribution. After all, the Spirit given gifts exists to build up the body, not the individual.

So here is a plan for you. Use December to familiarize yourself with the ministry teams. Here are some examples: hospitality, students, worship, maintenance and grounds, and kids. Pick one and begin serving in the new year. Don’t get caught up on the type of team. We didn’t organize teams around gifts anyways.

Here is what I mean, lets say you want to use your gifts to serve God by making our physical spaces reflect our spiritual care. So you contact Joe and join the maintenance and grounds team. You assume that most people on this team have the gift of service. But this is not a requirement. In fact, the team would weaken if they all had the same gift.

Imagine that on your first day you arrive to mow the lawn. You don’t like talking, so this role is dreamy compared to leading a bridge group. You smile as you use your gift of serving. But that smile becomes a frown as the lawn mower decides to break on your first day! The team sees that you’ve stalled so they come toward you. You’re embarrassed, but Gary Hoover uses his gift of encouragement to lighten the mood with a joke. Joe Messenger uses his gift of leadership to make a call to the repair shop. And John Cundiff uses his gift of generosity to pay for coffee’s as you wait.

All are anointed. All are needed. And the team is strengthened through diversity.

Begin to serve and your anointing will unfold.

The table, the oil, and finally...

The Cup: The host has enough for you.

my cup overflows.

God has a lot to say about cups. And I don’t think it’s because his hobby is fine china.

In 1 Corinthians 10 alone, three figurative cups are mentioned. The Cup of Thanksgiving, referring to the Lords supper. The cup of the Lord. And the cup of demons referring to idolatrous practices.

God’s wrath toward sin is depicted as a cup. Jesus refers to it in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

In our verse this morning, our cup is overflowing with blessing, not judgement. How?

Jesus willingly received the cup of wrath, so that our cup overflows with grace.

I love how Pastor HB Charles put it, “The cup of the pessimist is half empty. The cup of the optimist is half full. The cup of God’s child overflows.”

Me hiding chips under the table: I am the youngest of three. Which means that during dinner, I would fend for myself. When my family would eat at restaurants that served chips, I had a useful trick. Soon after they brought out the bowl of chips, I’d sneak a few under the table. Quickly, I’d return to eating out of the bowl with the rest of the family. When we’d run out. I’d go to my reserve supply. I didn’t want to rely upon the memory or delayed timing of my host.

If I can say it like a child, if God’s your host, you don’t have to hide chips under the table.

Is your cup overflowing?

Some of you live as if you have a crack in your cup. Now matter what God has to offer, it’s never enough. I love how Charles Spurgeon describes this sickness of the soul, "I know men who if they were in Paradise would find fault with the glades of Eden, and would propose to turn the channels of its rivers, and shift the position of its trees. If the serpent were excluded, they would demand liberty for him to enter, and would grow indignant at his exclusion. They would criticise the music of the angels, find fault with the cherubim, and grow weary of white robes and harps of gold. For such unrestful minds the cup which runneth over is not prepared."

Okay, if that’s an example of a broken cup, what is an example of a full cup? What does a full, abundant, life look like?

Jesus tells us,

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

If we are emptied of self trust, self pride, and self righteousness, we are prepared to overflow with the blessing of knowing God.

Better than self-care, have you experienced the care of Christ? Better than self-love, have you experienced the love of Christ?

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

As the Old Hymn puts it, Give me Jesus, give me Jesus. You may have all this world, give me Jesus.

In this broken world, your life may be grim and painful. You may be poor. You may experience many troubles. Your enemies may be present until the end. But you can and you must be able to say, MY CUP OVERFLOWS.

The host has enough for you, because the host is enough for you.

A child once misquoted this famous Psalm, “The Lord is my Shepherd, what more shall I want?”