Prepares A Table

Introduction

If like me from childhood have pictured this a certain way. Like a long, formal table, elegant white linnen table clothe, finest china, silver serving dishes, sillverware made out of real silver, footmen standing around to serve you an elegant meal; but is that really what he is talking about?

Let’s do a brief review: The Lord Jesus Christ is my good shepherd, therefore I don’t need anything. Laying in green pastures I am free; with still waters I can hear the voice of God, My Good Shepherd will lead me down the right paths of life , and in the valleys of life He is with me. With His rod and staff He provides guidance & protection; which leads us to the table.

The Table

Defined:

In Hebrew= “something spread out flat.” Today we have 2 words that describe this area: Spanish word, hear out west-Mesa, here in the East we call it a plateau. It’s the flat open range on the top of a mountain. It is their new home, the summer grazing grounds, prepared by their shepherd.

Prepared

As we discovered last week, the Good Shepherd has scouted the area, determining which area is best for his flock, he also determines if any type of fertilizer would be required, he will also decide where the best sheepfold will be and begins building it. He also will determine where the posionous weeds are to make sure the sheep avoid them. And above all else he makes sure there is plenty of water. This will be their summer grazeing grounds. Why all the trouble?

Sheep, especially, newborns, will eat anything in their path, they are easily distracted and wonders away. The sometimes have no sense of danger. They want to try everything. Christian’s are like that too. Wanting to try out the newest fads in worship, the newest Bible, the newest or fastest growing church. Just like the sheep wondering around, we can be self destructive. We need to realize out Good Shepherd has already been ahead of us coping in every situation and preparing the way.

Another part of the God Sheperds preparation is learning who & where, the predators are. Wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, & bears; he will either hunt or trap them to provide safty for his flock. Reminded of Road Runner and Wiley Coyote, Wiley on rock peering down at Road Runner. Predators on rock gazing down on flock, looking for strays, easy prey.

The sheep, ever blissful, are always in danger of attack. They are unable to see their adversary & think everything is just hunky dory. The Bible warns us that our enemy is “like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” Some have become callous about Satan, treat him as a joke; yet he is very real, just look at this world today and see the havoc he has caused.

Older, wiser, more experienced sheep have learned to stay close to the shepherd, it’s the one sure place of safety. I have learned sheep are not only dumb but they are terrified easily. When sheep come under attack, it is not uncommon for them to be so scared, they loose their voice. They cannot even cry out for help. Some Christians crumple under Satan’s attacks. But Our Shepherd desires for our Mountain Top experience to be tranquil, quiet, growing experiences. Just as the older sheep gather around the shepherd we need to move closer to Christ.

One important task of the shepherd is to clear the watering spots of leaves, twigs, stones, and accumulated mud. He may even have to repair earthen dams and clear out around springs. Our Good Shepherd is also The Living Water, He makes it easy for us to partake.

Placed

In the presence of my enemies, why?

For me to celebrate my deliverance from sin & sin’s hold on my life.

2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

To give me peace.

Phil. 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

To increase my testamony.

1 Thess. 1:5  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and pin the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake

For God to show His love, care, & provisions for us.

Matt. 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread

Lam. 3:22-23 It is of the LORD’s mercies that hwe are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Participating at the table has benefits

You are beyond condemnation.

Romans 8:1 KJV 1900

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

You have been delivered from the law.

Romans 7:6 KJV 1900

But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

You are near God.

Ephesians 2:13 KJV 1900

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Colossians 1:13 KJV 1900

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

You are justified.

Romans 5:1 KJV 1900

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

You have acess to God at any time.

Ephesians 2:18 KJV 1900

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

You will never be abandoned.

Hebrews 13:5 KJV 1900

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Our invitation to the table:

Psalm 34:8 KJV 1900

O taste and see that the Lord is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

John 6:35 KJV 1900

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.