You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
~Psalm 23:5
Every time we take communion we remember and receive the hospitality Jesus prepared for His Last Supper in the upper room with both his disciples and his enemy. Luke 22:14-21
And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it[b] until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.
This was the place where Jesus fed his closest followers. This was not just any table…it was a table where Jesus faced his fear of betrayal and yet washed the feet of each disciple, even Judas. As God, Jesus recognized that “the struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph, 6:12).
Jesus did not waste time struggling against the forces of evil like I do. He faced his enemy. I can spend so much time wrestling with my own fears and insecurities that I don’t confront the true enemy of my soul. Moreover, I fail to remember and receive the anointing of truth and the overflowing hope the Good Shepherd has prepared for me…and for you!
May you and I remember and receive the hospitality of The Lord Jesus Christ without struggling and wrestling! The good news is the Lord is our Shepherd.
Come Learn Rest Ministries 