Psalm 23:5 ESV
Matthew 9:35-38 ESV
Esther 2:12 ESV
Exodus 25:1-9 (especially verse 6) ESV
Genesis 28:18 ESV
I Samuel 16:13 ESV
When I was a young adult I was told by a seasoned prayer warrior that I can ask God for anything. He advised that included asking God to prepare me for a trip, an event, or a life change.
I thought that was incredible.
For me, that was a game-changer. It meant that when something was about to happen to me that was out of the ordinary I could ask God to prepare me prior to the event or change. I mean, seriously…anything that I was unsure or anxious about would be covered by God. Knowing that through Jesus the Spirit of God really is my constant companion and protector changed my life.
Psalm 23:5 says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
Jesus is my shepherd through life. Matthew 9:35-38 Jesus tells us about sheep who are without a shepherd. “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
The image painted for us in Psalm 23:5 is one of God acting as a shepherd who serves us. The catch is that we need to ask God to protect us because God will not force anything on us…even God’s presence and help. We need to surrender in order to let God help us.
When we surrender God prepares everything for us. When we surrender we let God be our shepherd.
Psalm 23:5 also tells us God prepares us and serves us in the presence of our enemies. That’s important because we all have enemies. Jesus had many enemies. The truth is, as we go about life, our enemies ARE there, but God promises when we surrender, our enemies will see God is our provider. Our enemies will see Jesus anointing us with oil. They will see that Jesus cares deeply for us. They may not see it immediately, but eventually they will notice that something about you (your life) is different. They will see that you have peace while they are afraid and feel like they are alone. That’s because they are alone without God.
In addition to Jesus serving a great meal to us, when the meal is over Jesus brings special oil to the table so we will be anointed.
Throughout scripture, especially in the Old Testament oil was used to cleanse. In Esther 2:12 we learn that in preparation to meet the King, Esther and the other women were given “six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and ointments for women”. Through the anointing they were carefully prepared to meet the king.
In Exodus 25:1-9 the Children of Israel gave God gifts for the sanctuary. Specifically in Exodus 25:6 we learn, “oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense,” were mentioned as acceptable items needed for anointing the high priest and for the temple they were transporting with them on their journey through the wilderness.
In Genesis 28 after Jacob had a significant dream about the ladder that reached to heaven (verses 11-17) he set up a pillar to honor God. In Genesis 28:18 we read, “Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it.” The stone was a memorial to God that also marked the spot for Jacob when he returned. The oil meant he dedicated this spot as set apart.
Anointing with oil was and is significant because it signifies the event (or time) as being holy and set apart. Oil was also used in scripture to signify a person had been chosen by God. In I Samuel 16:13, we read about the prophet anointing young David, “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward.”
In Psalm 23:5 we are told when we surrender Holy God anoints us with oil in the same way the Prophet Samuel anointed King David. We are chosen by God. We are set apart for God to care for and love. Because we are chosen and set apart, our hearts overflow with love and thanksgiving to God.
Our cup overflows with God’s blessing.
Through the years I’ve relied on God to prepare me for a new job, a move to a new place, several airplane flights (including overseas), and more train rides than I can count.
Most of the time I drive myself to the airport or train station and I leave my car in long term parking. I always pray that God will protect my car while I am away. God prepares me and protects me each step of the way.
Today’s Spiritual Practice is: Feast
Imagine you are at a great feast. Jesus is your server. Your enemies are seated in tables that surround your table. They are not being served, but you are being given everything you ask for (in record time). You do not taunt them but instead you feel regret that they are not being served.
Pray specifically that your enemies will accept God’s love and the kindness of Jesus.
As you surrender to God, ask for God’s protection in every part of your journey.
In God, Deborah
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