Reflections on the Road: week twelve

Reflections on the Road

Week Twelve

Supping in the presence of my enemies

Focus Passage: Psalm 23

Focus Verse: Psalm 23:5

Bible Reading: John 10-16

      The last few weeks have been very hot and humid.  If the virus didn't keep us inside surely the intense heat will.  My kids love being outside but are not fans of the blazing sun.  We typically go out in the evening hours when the sun starts to set over our West Virginia mountains.  The temperature starts to become cooler and more pleasurable to play.  The other night the wind started to kick up so the kids wanted to fly a kite.  We went outside, strung the beautiful kite with the long tail, and let the wind take it.  Higher and higher it went into the sky until you almost couldn't see it.  My oldest child made an observation that if the wind wasn't strong enough then the kite would not rise.  There is a beautiful spiritual truth in his thought.  As Christians, we are going to face opposition and troubles.  Jesus promised us as much.  When the world's oppression comes against us we will either crash down to the earth or we will soar higher and higher for the Lord.

      The Psalmist has a similar thought in mind when he tells us in verse five "You (God) prepare a table before in the presence of my enemies."  Keep in mind we are still talking about the sheep's testimony.  A sheep is constantly beset with danger and is helpless to defend himself.  Around every corner the feeble sheep finds something that can harm or molest him.  He is literally encompassed about with enemies.  As Christians, we also understand that we are surrounded by enemies, now probably more so than ever.  Evil men are waxing worse and worse and the voices grow louder and louder against the faith.  The verse might strike because it says that we will have enemies.  We don't necessarily want enemies but as a believer, we can expect to have them.  Charles Spurgeon once wrote, "the good man has his enemies."  If we choose to live righteously and pursue the Good Shepherd in obedience then we can expect enemies.  Our Savior did, so why wouldn't we?  If we have enemies in this world then it is evidence that we are friends of God.  What are we to do when we are in the presence of those that are against us?  Do we run?  Do we flee?  In a moment when fear should cripple us, God tells us that is the one setting up a table that will be surrounded by our enemies.  Their presence is no mistake.  God put them there and it is there that God will show Himself incredibly faithful.  It is there that God will pour out His richest blessings.  We need not fret when our adversary is before us, we need not cower.  There is a purpose and an opportunity that God will not waste to prove Himself faithful.

Reflections on the Road:

Have you ever been opposed for your faith?  Maybe it was a workplace or a conversation with a friend or family member.  Maybe they laughed at you or thought you were crazy for coming to church, listening to Christian music, reading your Bible during lunch break, or refusing to go along with their sin.  Maybe they even labeled you as the 'choir boy' or a 'puritan.' What did you do at that moment?  Were you silenced?  Did you recoil in the presence of your enemy?  God wants you to stand your ground because it is the table He set before you.  You are not alone when the enemy presses against you, He is with you, and in that place He will bless you in ways you have never known.