a table amidst my enemies

By: Greg Miller 

Psalm 23:5 says, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Did you ever think about what that verse means? It really sounds strange. Who would sit down to eat a meal when their enemies are surrounding them?

The verse is intended to communicate that God's people are so protected and provided for that they don't have to worry, no matter what is going on around them. It is a beautiful picture of being at peace with God and his people in unusual circumstances.  Sharing a meal with the Lord and His people is powerful!

Recently, I had the privilege of serving communion to some of our Uncommon Grounds personnel. Sadly, that doesn't happen very often. It was a very spiritual experience for me.  To share the Supper of the Lord with people who are in the spiritual trenches day in and day out was very moving.  It reminded me of the One who holds us together - that we are all His and are at peace with Him and with one another.

Some of Church Army's work takes place out on the streets. To be able to bring the Lord's Table out to broken people in a lost and hurting world is a powerful act. It declares God's peace and provision to people who don't often feel it.  One of our Church Army officers had the privilege of bringing the Lord's Table onto the field of battle in Vietnam. What a picture! There in the midst of death, soldiers stopped to be reminded of the peace and protection of the Lord. It didn't mean that all of them would survive the battle - but all who belong to the Lord would survive into eternal life.

We usually celebrate communion inside the church - and that is good! But having the Lord prepare a table even in the presence of our enemies presents a more powerful picture.  As Church Army, we want to take Jesus with us wherever we go - in word, deed, and sacrament - so that all may know of Jesus' peace and protection in good times and bad. What a blessing!