Moment in the Word

(Psalms 23:5) Thou hast prepared a table before me in the presence of them that afflict me: thou hast thoroughly anointed my head with oil; and thy cup cheers me like the best wine. (Psalms 22:5, Brenton's 1851 Greek Septuagint)

For the very first time in my life, I genuinely believe that I understand David's allegory of Psalms 23:5 (Psalms 22:5 in Brenton's 1851 Greek Septuagint).

More than simply portraying the Eastern custom of welcoming a guest to dinner by washing his feet, anointing his head, and serving him a glass of wine; the verse depicts Almighty God as the supreme, universal Master of Karma (the consequence/outcome of behavior, whether good or bad)!

The Psalmist wrote, "Thou hast prepared a table before me in the presence of them that afflict me."

We see this promise fulfilled in the life of Joseph when he told his abusive brothers, "Ye took counsel against me for evil, but God took counsel for me for good." (Genesis 50:20, Brenton's 1851 Greek Septuagint)

Sirach warned of shame "to turn away thy face from thy kinsman; or to take away a portion (food) or a gift." (Sirach 41:21, Brenton's 1851 Greek Septuagint) In another place, he said, "The bread of the needy is their life: he that defraudeth him thereof is a man of blood. 22 He that taketh away his neighbour's living slayeth him; and he that defraudeth the labourer his hire is a bloodshedder." (Sirach 31:21, Brenton's 1851 Greek Septuagint)

Jesus emphasized Sirach's words in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). Although the nobleman lived sumptuously during his life, wearing luxurious clothing and eating extravagant food; the day came when he died along with the deprived beggar who sat at the royal gate. Suddenly, the tables were turned when the rich man found himself in Hell as Lazarus rested in Paradise (Abraham's Bosom). Doubtless, the beggar reclined at God's table, savoring the delicious meal prepared for him while the other tormented fellow merely craved a drop of cool water. Consigned to perdition, the previously wealthy individual languished in the punishing flames while the pauper at his front door dwelt in God's House forever!

By remembering the words, "Thou hast prepared a table before me in the presence of them that afflict me," we can confidently and patiently wait until the Lord our God makes us "the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt then be above and thou shalt not be below." (Deuteronomy 28:13, Brenton's 1851 Greek Septuagint)

As I said before, Almighty God is the supreme, universal Master of Karma, for the sake of our consolation and to the praise of His glory when "the last will be first, and the first will be last." (Matthew 20:16)

 

Edwin Woolsey is a native of Mountain View. He is a retired public educator of 31 years, and a pastor for nearly that long. Woolsey is the author of The Chronicler series and a father of three.