Feasting and Anointing

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” –Psalm 23:5.

Keller explains that when the sheep are safely on the upland grazing lands, called a tableland, they have the sweetest, most tender grasses upon which to feast. But enemies are all around in the form of wild animals like coyotes, wolves, cougars and bears. Even poisonous plants can be enemies, threats in the tableland bounty. There robbers might try to steal the best of the flock. The shepherd protects the sheep diligently from all of these enemies. But summertime is the time, also, for flying insects that can wreak havoc on the flock. Even on the mesas, the flock must have heads anointed with oil so that the damaging insects will not attack them. “Head flies” were terrible pests. The oil deterred their attacks on the sheep.

Relating this verse of the Shepherd Psalm to the Christian, we are amidst the enemy as long as we live on earth. Even though the Lord prepares a bountiful table of blessings for us, we are still dwelling in enemy territory and Satan besets and tempts on every hand. It is necessary, even as we enjoy the fullness of the Lord’s table, to be on guard against besetting sins from darts of the enemy. Likewise, predators attack. False doctrine is rampant, especially in this “New Age” era. There are those who propound that Jesus is not the only way, that there are other ways to God. Within this volatile and vituperative environment, we must keep our constant and faithful vigilance. Within this enemy territory, the Good Shepherd “anoints my head with oil.” Just as the sheep must have daily anointings of oil to ward off the pests that attack them, so we as Christians need daily anointings of the Holy Spirit. His job is very important at the present. He teaches, He comforts, He conforms us to the Spirit of Christ. He helps us have discernment, to make right choices. Keller says of this daily anointing: “He (the Holy Spirit) alone makes it possible for us to react to aggravations and annoyances with quietness and calmness” (p. 117, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23). Just as initially the Holy Spirit prompted us to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, so with the anointings by the Spirit we make daily decisions to have Him guide our choices, and we live and act and think as He directs us.

Because of the feasting at the Lord’s table and His anointing, “my cup runneth over.” My life overflows with His benefits. I have weathered the seasons and am now “at home” in the winter fold, as sheep safely on the ranch again from the summer and autumn tablelands. Christ pours His peace into my own cup and it overflows! Selah!

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Monday, June 7, 2010