Psalm 23:5 reads, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” David reflects upon his experience as a shepherd, preparing the “tablelands” for his sheep. The “tablelands” are the relatively flat, green plateaus to which the shepherd leads his flock for summer grazing. Think of the “tablelands” as the shepherd’s food pantry from which he feeds his sheep.

Shepherds exert much energy and careful planning in preparing the tablelands for summer grazing. They meticulously clear the pasture of poisonous plants that might have grown up in the off season and now threaten the sheep with their toxicity. Some green leaves are the sheep’s enemies.

Aren’t you glad that your good shepherd cares enough to serve you a delicious meal, while protecting you from your enemies?

 

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“Every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”

Romans 8:28 MSG