Chefs at eateries around the world covet the award of a Michelin star as it is considered to be the hallmark of culinary excellence! Countries such as Denmark, Spain, Peru, Sweden, Mexico, and Singapore were in the Top Ten of the 2021 World’s Best Restaurants. As for the priciest restaurant in the world, Sublimotion in Ibiza, Spain has a price tag of $2,380 per person. Other than the expense, the previous restaurants are not surrounded by enemies. However, the same cannot be said for the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant located 5 meters “under the sea” in Maldives as this acrylic structure provides a 270-degree view of sea that includes turtles, tropical fish, as well as stingrays and sharks. One might accurately describe this as a table prepared in the presence of one’s enemies.
Out of the 1,189 chapters in the Bible, Psalm 23 is perhaps the most familiar, as well as most comforting. The Psalmist writes from personal experience as he assures each child of God that the Lord is his / her Shepherd. Each verse within this chapter includes a benefit that the sheep (believers) receive from the Good Shepherd (Jesus). Toward the end of this chapter, the Psalmist writes in v. 5a that “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies . . .” Having been seen a picture of the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant for the first time this week, my mind now has great whites, blue-ringed octopus, and Australian box jellyfish within striking distance of a table that has been prepared for me. Either I will enjoy what has been set before me, or I will choose to focus on and fear what is surrounding me. What will you choose; or, perhaps, the better question is what have you been choosing?
Let’s take a dive into our hearts as the Father desires for His children to experience peace, restoration, direction, comfort, and abundance. Diving deeper, Levi Lusko described the scene perfectly by writing: “In the banquet room of your heart, there are only two seats – one for you and the other for Jesus – and three is a crowd. Tell the enemy, ‘These seats are taken.’” So, who is occupying the seat across from you at the table prepared for two?
If you have resolved to firmly tell the Devil that he is not invited, then the One Who has prepared the table will take His seat at your table. Seated in the presence of the Good Shepherd, look down. The table cloth, plates, silverware, and menu have all been intentionally prepared to perfection for you to enjoy! Now, look around and identify where the Good Shepherd has prepared this particular table. From a global viewpoint, Ukraine is being bombed. From a personal viewpoint, it is likely that disappointment, discouragement, and even depression is hovering around you. Look across the table and into the eyes of Jesus. He loves you so much that He cannot take His eyes off of you! In the midst of chaos, the Good Shepherd desires to take His seat at the table of your heart and provide for your every need.
Work cited: (Louie Giglio)
Don’t give the enemy a seat at your table.