You will hopefully already know that we are running a theme of ‘Come to the Table’ throughout the Territory. Based on Psalm 23:5, there is an invitation issued to us all to come to the table prepared for us by our loving Father God.
The table is set and prepared; you need to accept the invitation and come and sit.
This has been a positive theme for us and a good, simple conversation starter as we have travelled to many areas of the territory and had the blessing and encouragement of sitting and speaking with others. I really believe the concept of ‘coming to the table’ is one that allows for deliberate and honest reflections as the table is set and the invitation is given.
Then I recently found a verse in Psalm 78 which caused me some moments of reflection: Psalm 78:19: ‘They spoke against God; they said, “Can God really spread a table in the wilderness?”’ Can God really? Can God really… in the wilderness? Psalm 78 is a history lesson of the people of Israel and recounts many of the times where the people got it wrong and, in some cases, suffered severe pain. Verse 32 allows us a glimpse into their actions as God rescued them time and time again: ‘….In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe.’
And so the disobedience, their turning away, their lack of belief brings us to the middle of the Psalm and the idea of God providing, setting the table, is questioned. I wonder how that translates for you… are there times for you where the provision, the safety, the invitation of God is questioned… ‘Can God really understand me, can God really forgive me, can God really love me, can God really even know I exist, can God really journey with me ……… can God really ……’ you complete the sentence.
Psalm 78 ends with verse 72: ‘…And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skilful hands he led them.’ King David provided some answers to their situations and also penned for us a reminder in Psalm 23 that he (David) was following, trusting in the Chief Shepherd.
I suggest your (and my) questions are answered by the Chief Shepherd of Psalm 23. The one who leads, who guides, provides, protects and allows His goodness to be over you. The One who invites us in Matthew 11:28 to ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest!’. The One who invites us in John 7:37 ‘… Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink…’. The One who came to the workplace and in John 21:12 Jesus said unto them, “come and dine”.
Can God really? Yes, HE can.
Accept His invitation today, sit and dine with Him, speak to Him, trust Him to be prepared for you. Our Father God can do all things … really!