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Psalm 23:5-6a – Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. (KJV)
The invitation read:
- Because you have been falsely accused, ridiculed, mocked, and rejected, a table has been prepared for you in the presence of your enemies. Please accept our invitation.
It went on to spell out the specifics: date, time, and place.
I couldn't wait! I was looking forward to this. I would definitely be there!
The day and time finally arrived, and wearing my best attire, I arrived at the banquet hall.
I could see that great detail had gone into the preparations: the finest cutlery, table linens, centrepieces, and long-stemmed candles.
With a smug look on my face, I noticed that all my enemies were there, standing around, looking sheepishly ashamed, "Waiting to serve me," I said to myself.
A dinner bell rang, and as I went to take a seat, the voice of the Holy Spirit whispered, "You are here to serve them."
Then, these verses came to mind:
Matthew 5:44,46 – But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? (KJV)
It was difficult at first, but as I got up, went over to my enemies, cordially seated them, and then began to serve them, Goodness and Mercy showed up to help me.
This event happened only in my mind, but it was helpful to change my attitude, and it allowed me to pray more freely for my enemies.
Romans 12:20 – Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. (KJV)
Prayer: Lord, You have given us the strength to be able to pray for our enemies. May we avail ourselves of it today. Thank You. Amen.
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A very effective way of making your point.
Wow! That’s powerful! Thanks for sharing.
A great challenge, Cheryl. Have a blessed day.
Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing this parable with us. Blessings.
Wow! What a powerful picture. Thank you so very much. I think I will never forget this!!
Excellent! Keep writing!
God speed,
(Texas)
Good one, Cheremiah! Hard to imagine, but Jesus washed Judas Iscariot’s feet, too.
Blessings.
Cheremiah,
Your devotional this morning is very meaningful. It certainly influences my frame of mind as I prepare myself for worship. Thank you.
(Texas)
Great message and very well written. Thank you.
Hi Cheryl,
Good devotional, food for thought for sure.
Thank you for writing.
Dear Cheryl,
I thought this might turn out that your enemies were just pretend enemies for a Birthday Party or some other kind of party.
Thank you Cheremiah,
Your story touched my heart very deep.
It reminded me of Romans 5:8:
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (KJV)
Dear Cheremiah,
Thank you.
Your message is excellent and timeless.
I needed to hear it and heed it today.
Brilliant way to teach the history and the lesson.