Feasting at a Royal Table: When Enemies are Near
As grateful as my husband and I were to have been gifted this event thirty years ago, we were equally uncomfortable. I do not remember hearing the dishes rattle from our nerves, but I am rather sure the table shook from our being so out of place. We were more the McDonalds and Sister’s Fried Chicken kind of people. That was a far cry from the fine dining room at the famous Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis, MO.
Each plate had rows upon rows of silverware towards the left, the right, and at even at the top. I do not remember silverware at the bottom. That’s good, because I probably would have accidentally knocked it off. To this day, I have not seen so many types of knives, forks, and spoons. Our waiter noticed the panic in our eyes and whispered about which utensil to use during the entire meal consisting of too many courses to remember.
Not only did our waiter coach us through the process of how to use the utensils, he never left the table. Never. He was on assignment to serve only us. Every time we took a sip of water, he refilled our glasses. Literally! It would not have mattered how big or small the cups were, because our waiter stood ready to refill.
I still prefer ordinary comfort food with family and friends around our kitchen table. Yet, I cannot help but think of the familiar passage from Psalm 23.
“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.”
Our feast at the Chase Park Plaza offered the best of the best… in the presence of our enemies. A few enemies at that meal were insecurities from having not experienced such a thing, and thought patterns of being less than and undeserving. Nonetheless, a royal table was reserved just for us. At this table was everything needed for the moment including an attentive waiter who enjoyed serving us. His continual grin and occasional winks reinforced that belief. What a relief.
How about you, dear Reader? Did you know that God has a table prepared and reserved just for you. What are some of your enemies nearby? Is there regret? Fear? Despair? Whatever the case, I encourage you to go ahead and feast. Drink and keep on drinking, for the Lord stands nearby to fill and refill your cup with every sip. On that table is everything you need to overcome any foe, and to replenish your soul with life giving sustenance.
Please receive this prayer and blessing for God’s provision in your life.
Lord, you see the person who is reading. What do they need? I do not know. But you know! I ask you take them up wherever they have been forsaken. Show yourself strong on their behalf as the One who stands alongside to help. May your words nourish their soul. May their life be filled to overflowing as they feast at your banquet table of love. Amen
Side note: I have to admit. We got in the car after this fanciful meal and burst into laughter when I yelled, “Can we please drive through McDonalds?” That’s exactly what we did with my husband in a suit and tie and me in a dress, heels, and pantihose. I can still taste the french-fries and salt that I licked off my fingers. No silverware was needed! Just good ol’ McD’s from a drive-through window.