~3 min read
Psalm 23:5
“…not only prepares food for his sheep…”
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. (Psalm 23:5)
This is a picture of a house owner welcoming a guest to his table. The good shepherd not only prepares food for his sheep in the field, but he removes all the physical dangers like destroying the poisonous grass and driving away wild predators. In ancient times, the good shepherd would rub sulphur on the sheep’s body to deter the snakes from biting the sheep, and olive oil to protect them from insects and smoothen the skin.
In those days, oil was very expensive, and to rub a little oil on the head of the guest to cool him from the scorching heat was a very welcoming treat. But here, it was not just a little oil to anoint the head, but the oil runneth over which means it was in great abundance. The phrase, in the presence of mine enemies, speaks of the ever-presence of adversaries, dangers and trials.
Dear children, we are living in a world filled with sin, evil, temptation and danger. But in the midst of all these potential troubles, Jesus our Great Shepherd, has provided for all our needs; physical, spiritual and emotional. He not only provides for us, but in great abundance. You may ask, “But where is the great abundance?” Take a moment and think about His salvation. He has saved us and given us eternal life to be in and with Him, both now and forever. Is that not the provision of the abundance of life for all eternity?
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