“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” (Psalm 23:5)

Imagine sitting down to your favorite meal.  It has been meticulously prepared just the way you like it.  All the things that you love about it are there along with everything you need to enjoy it.  The table is set with all the plates and utensils and Jesus Himself is standing there waiting for you to step forward.   Your eyes meet and a smile comes across His face.  He pulls back the chair and motions for you to come and sit.

You move forward and sit down.  As you sit He moves the chair forward and says to you, “Everything is ready.  I know you are really going to enjoy this.”   His eyes are sparkling and you sense that He is excited about what He has done to prepare this meal for you.  You survey the table and your mouth begins to water.  You are slightly startled when His arm comes over your shoulder to fill your glass with your favorite drink. It is Jesus doing that too!  He takes the napkin from next to your plate and places it in your lap and, at that moment you realize, He has not only prepared the meal but He is going to be your waiter!   Almost like a breeze blowing into the room a verse comes to your mind from the Bible where Jesus said, “I have come to serve” (Matthew 20:28).  While you are thinking this you realize that He is looking at you with that look…”I know what you are thinking” and He smiles again.

“Are you ready to begin?”  You realize that you have not spoken a word since you walked in.  You are barely listening as He explains what is on each dish and then He reaches into the center and picks up a basket containing bread.  He lifts it up with one hand and His other hand rests on your shoulder as He stands next to you.  He is going to pray. Jesus is going to pray for the meal. You bow your head. He prays. 

Your eyes fill with tears as you listen to the Lord bless what you are about to eat.  You start to shake a little as you are filled with gratitude…His hand on your shoulder gives you a slight squeeze.  He’s reminding you that He is there and He knows you’re overwhelmed. “You’re welcome”, He whispers as He puts down the bread.  When He does, you see that one of the pieces is broken and you remember the rest of that verse from Matthew 20, “…and to give His life as a ransom for many.” And, you are immediately reminded of what has made this all possible.