The Five Month Reminder

Proverbs 23:1 (KJV) When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

Every five months because of my routine of Bible reading, I have this verse in Proverbs 23, which comes before me at the same time as this verse in Psalm 23,

Psalms 23:5 (KJV) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

We have the picture of someone supplying us with a wonderful repast.  In both cases, we have the idea that our wants and needs are being supplied.  The difference is the attitude of the person doing the supplying.  In Proverbs, we are warned about the person who is called a ruler.  As you read on you find out that this ruler has a definite agenda, which is not to your benefit.

In Psalms it’s a totally different picture.  There you have a benevolent God who is laying out before you a benevolent feast.  There is no fear.  There is no concern about coming back to haunt you.  There will be no food poisoning in this banquet.

So?  Consider the source.  The supplies in our daily lives.  We have many people who give us gifts but they all come with strings attached.  The gifts that God gives us for our benefit and our eternal joy.  Bon appétit. 

Little Problems

(Psa 23:5 KJV)  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

(Proverbs 20 also read)

Somehow an overflowing cup doesn’t seem like something you want at the dinner table.  It gets messy.  Notice that David gives the picture of being at the dinner table but it seems to be in his enemy’s house, so it might not be that big of a problem.

Actually the picture being given here is a reflection of the blessings that God gives us.  When I sit down and start counting my blessings I end up being late for my appointments.  God is so good.  

When I am being thankful I make it a point to thank Jesus for making the transition to being the perfect lamb of God.  He came knowing that the cross was the plan.  It wasn’t just part of the plan, it was the plan.  When you add on all the things like every day comforts the image of an overflowing cup seems to fit.

So?  Rejoice and be glad for one more day.