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9th August: My Shepherd (8)

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Psalm 23:5

After the rigours of winter, livestock are taken up from the valleys to graze on lush tablelands. So, as Eastern shepherd will lead his flock from the valley onto higher ground, relieved to have survived, but needing time to relax and be refreshed. A good shepherd prepares the ground before taking his flock there. Selecting good pasture, he weeds out poisonous plants, clears waterholes and looks out for vipers or other predators. Harm can befall his sheep unless he remains watchful. Clearly, those who stay closest will be safest, for as they concentrate on grazing he will protect them from danger of which they are unaware. So lush is the pasture that for a time there will be no need for them to scatter as they graze in contented companionship, gladdening the shepherd's heart.

'Setting the table' or 'preparing a meal' bring to the word 'table' a sense of conviviality and sociability. After the hardships of the valley may come the literal pleasure of the table in a celebration dinner; others may prefer to feed the mind with music or an undisturbed good read. Either way, it is vital to retain closeness to the Shepherd if we are not to risk attack by more subtle hazards than those we meet in the valley. There we were forced to seek his aid, here we may feel able to cope on our own or allow the bliss of unwinding to take priority over our personal times with him.

Some Christians may give a wide berth to the mess party or the hospital show, as being 'worldly'. Others may feel that they provide opportunity to relax with, befriend and witness to colleagues. Whatever form of respite we enjoy take care that to be off duty is not also to be off guard. The Enemy is ever present and, particularly in the aftermath of battle, will try to beguile us away from the Shepherd into a place definitely not prepared for us. Yet equally he can come upon us suddenly and unexpectedly, even in the midst of a very 'holy huddle'. Destructive criticism, wrong appetites, professional jealousy, or loss of restraint -- all these may poison us even in pastures or pastimes of apparent innocence. We shall in time each learn to know the secret weapon that he best likes to use for our personal defeat, but be it of the world or the flesh, it is all of the Devil. To beware of occupations or occasions which we have learned will invariably invite his attack is only common sense, but takes experience and vigilance. If we fail, how vital to return to the Shepherd in repentance, seeking his forgiveness quickly and renewing the closeness which we had learned so much about in the valley.

To meet with others around a table can be enjoyable. To meet at the Lord's own table is a reminder of his love and sacrifice for us, and an inspiration to remain in fellowship with him and with each other. By together maintaining a closer walk with our Shepherd, we shall all learn to be careful in checking where he has put clear warnings to 'keep off the grass; and come to avoid areas that he has not prepared and tables not set by him.

Prone to wander -- Lord, I feel it -
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it from thy courts above.

Robert Robinson

Further reading: 1 Ki 11:1-6. Ps 51:1-4, 10-12. 1 Jn 1:3-9.

JG