My Table

When my family or my friends and I go out to eat, we prepare ourselves for the possibility of having to wait for a table. (The more popular the restaurant, the greater the possibility of a wait). Whether a short wait or a long one, we get a sense of satisfaction from finally being seated at "our table." I have experienced an even stronger satisfaction when I have been seated at a table designated for me because I am the guest of honor at an event. Whether I have been the lone honoree or among a group of honorees, the satisfaction of being seated at "my table" at an event is greater than being seated at "my table" in a restaurant. At a restaurant, the people at the other tables are tending to various agendas. On the contrary, at an event, all who are present have a similar agenda. If I am one of the event's honorees, I am a part of the agendas of all who are present. I do not have to hustle for a seat, nor do I have to wait for a seat. Someone will escort me to "my table."
Psalm 23:5 says, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." Have you ever suffered humiliation at the hands of an enemy? It is a painful experience, especially when it is coupled with a feeling of helplessness. The more vulnerable you are, the more unmerciful a vicious enemy can be. I am learning to count the persistent pursuit of a vicious enemy...joy. Oh, I remember praying and asking God to make that enemy leave me alone, but he/she stayed in pursuit and refused to let me escape in peace.
In the 14th Chapter of Exodus, verse 13, Moses told his people, "for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever." Verse 17 prophesied that the Egyptians would follow them (pursue them). The level of commitment from your enemies to follow after you to destroy you will determine the level of their destruction and discipline from God. Exodus 14:28 reports that not a one of the Egyptians survived that pursuit.
Now when I am in a vulnerable state and being pursued by a vicious enemy, I pray for him/her. It is unwise for them to "follow after me." Unlike them, I know where I am going. If they pursue me, they will wind up face to face with, "My Table." JOY!