"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies" is a well known line of Scripture. It comes from the Twenty-Third Psalm, one of the most magnificent and recognizable portions of the Bible. This psalm, however, is more than just a beautiful piece of literature to be admired-it is a passage upon which to build our lives. Not only is the Lord a protective Shepherd (Ps. 23:1-4), He is also a gracious Host, one in whom we can trust and take comfort. Let us consider why this Host is so gracious and sufficient.

He Abundantly Provides

The abundant provisions of our Host is summed up in these words: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over" (Ps. 23:5). The Lord provides for His guests. Participating in God's feast is evidence that all hostility is gone and that fellowship has been restored (cf. Deut. 12:7; Lk. 15:23). Even enemies cannot break the fellowship that God has with His people. The Lord can turn apparent defeat and despair into a festive banquet. The picture of this verse is of a joyous occasion in which the gracious Host abundantly supplies every need. "Anointing with oil" was often symbolic of rejoicing and, therefore, it would be done on festive occasions such as the arrival of a special guest (cf. Ps. 45:7; Lk. 7:46). The cup "running over" symbolizes the overflowing abundance of blessings. Because of the Lord's abundant provisions, all guests have His assurance, even in the midst of enemies (Rom. 8:31-39).

He Offers Permanent Dwelling

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever" (Ps. 23:6). The one who accepts the Host's invitation will be pursued, not by enemies, but by the "goodness and mercy" of the Lord. This blessing is certain ("surely"), and it is lasting ("all the days of my life"). The one who accepts the Host's invitation will dwell in the "house of the LORD forever." Although the "house" of the Lord in David's time was the temple, the picture here is of that heavenly dwelling where communion with God is endless. This endless communion with God is possible for us today only in the church (1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 1:22-23), whose ultimate home is heaven (Rev. 21:1-3). The bountiful meal the Host provides is only the beginning of fellowship with Him!

Jesus Fulfills The Gracious Host's Role

Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the gracious Host of Psalm 23. First, Jesus gives abundant blessings. Paul wrote that "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places [are] in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). In answer to the apostles' concern about their potential loss resulting from following Jesus, He said, "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life" (Mt. 19:29). There cannot be a more abundant blessing than that! Second, Jesus offers permanent communion with God. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (Jn. 14:6). Jesus is the "author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Heb. 5:9).

Have we accepted the invitation of the gracious Host? Jesus wants us to let Him be our Host. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Rev. 3:20). Why not allow Jesus to "prepare a table" for us, and dwell with Him forever? If we have not obeyed His will, why not do it today?