Heaven on Earth (Part 4)

Psalm 23 (TNIV)

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

    2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

       he leads me beside quiet waters,

    3 he refreshes my soul.

       He guides me along the right paths

       for his name's sake.

    4 Even though I walk

       through the darkest valley,

       I will fear no evil,

       for you are with me;

       your rod and your staff,

       they comfort me.

    5 You prepare a table before me

       in the presence of my enemies.

       You anoint my head with oil;

       my cup overflows.

    6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me

       all the days of my life,

       and I will dwell in the house

       of the LORD forever.

Something more to think about:

• How do you respond to God's extravagance in preparing a table for us?

• How do you respond to the suggestion that your enemies are invited to the table as well? 

• Could it be that part of what God may want to do is invite us to understand that God's grace is not only extended to us, but also to our enemies?

• How do you respond to the imagery of being spoiled at a great meal, to the extent that your cup literally overflows, and you are "anointed with oil" - recognized as chosen and special, in a way that others, even those who may not wish you well, can see?

• How do you respond to the idea that this imagery is something that God longs for everyone to experience - even those enemies that are gathered together around you?

• Are you more inclined to push your enemies to the "outside" rather than find ways to invite them to the table with you - as your host who sends the rain on the just and unjust alike?  Or does you sense of being chosen exclude the idea of others being chosen as well?

• Would you like to enjoy being served at God's table, enjoying the abundance and grace?  You are invited!

Preparing a TableIt's the time of year when we begin to enter into the holiday season - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years - a time of year when "preparing tables" becomes a central theme.  We gather around tables to give thanks, to celebrate the greatest Gift of all, to anticipate the days ahead.  Beautiful decorations.  The best silverware and china.  Abundance.  Surrounded by family and friends.  Prepared tables.

But what about the cold, dark days of February?  The dry parched days of August?  When the decorations are not obvious and the silverware is plastic at best?  Perhaps when we have been walking in the valley of the shadow of death for awhile, and those gathered around us are not exactly friendly?  Hostile in fact?  What then?

The psalmist says it is right here that God serves us.  Not that God gets rid of our "enemies" . . . but rather that, even in the midst of less than comfortable situations and circumstances, God cares for us.  What does that look like?  What does this mean? 

That's what Pastor Saul explores in the sermon this week.  If you'd like to listen to the sermon again, or perhaps for the first time, you can access it in our sermon library by clicking here.