“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5).

A table is an essential piece of furniture, along with a bed, lamp, and chair. In 2 Kings 4:10, the woman from Shunem provided Elijah with just such a furnished room for times when he was in the area. The table also serves as the center and even symbol of family gatherings. If you watch the television series, “Blue Bloods,” you know they always have a scene from their family gathering around the table.

When I was growing up, we always ate our meals at the kitchen table, and mostly together as a family. It is a precious memory. My family then had “assigned seats” at this table, and we never challenged this seating arrangement. We are not so restrictive at our table now, except that I usually have the seat closest to the kitchen because as the “mother” of the home, I am usually the one who is up and down as the need to replenish presents itself.

The table, a common and utilitarian piece of furniture, represents so much more. The table was an essential feature in the design of the tabernacle, both the portable one for the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land and the permanent temple built by Solomon in Jerusalem (Exodus 25:23-30; 1 Kings 7:48; Hebrews 9:2). It was in place to hold the bread of the presence, or consecrated showbread which served as a memorial food offering to God, in gratitude for their deliverance from Egypt. Many churches have a similar table in the sanctuary from which the elements of Communion are served. This table is often inscribed, “This do in remembrance of me” to honor the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

David also wrote of the table in the context of protection and provision. Reflect on Psalm 23:5, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” When David wrote this, he was on the run from Saul. And then we see David himself extending this same protection and provision to Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth after David became king (2 Samuel 9:11). Another application of this passage demonstrate inclusions. We say “give them a seat at the table,” which was what David literally did when he brought Mephibosheth into his household. “’Don’t be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’” (2 Samuel 9:7).

Jesus was often invited to dinner gatherings where he fellowshipped around a table with a variety of people. For example:

• Family – Although a table is not explicitly mentioned, I can imagine that there were many tables at the wedding in Cana where his mother told Jesus they had run out of wine (John 2:1-3).
• Sinners – “While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him” (Mark 2:15).
• Pharisees – “When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table” (Luke 7:36).
• Disciples – “When the hour (for Passover) came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God’” (Luke 22:14-16).

As we ponder the meaning of the Table during this Thanksgiving week, whether it be the table in your home or the table in the Mission dining room, let us reflect on the provision and protection that it represents, as well as the inclusion and opportunity to serve that it presents. For example, at the very Passover meal that we now celebrate as the Lord’s Supper, a dispute arose between the disciples as to which of them was the greatest (doesn’t that sound familiar?). “Jesus said to them… For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:24-27).

One of the last settings in which Jesus appeared before being taken to heaven was a meal. “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them” (Luke 24:30).

I am thankful for Nashville Rescue Mission which offers protection and provision for all who come here, 24/7/365. And I am so thankful for each of you who so lovingly and selflessly serve the least of these every day of the year in the name of Jesus. May God bless you.

In Christ,

Judy

P.S.: If you would like to talk more about any of these devotions or matters that concern you, please stop by my office, or call or text me at 615-804-3453 to arrange a time, and I will be happy to speak with you.