Devotional Materials. Week Commencing Sunday 28th August 2022
Call to worship
‘He has taken me to the banquet hall and his banner over me is love.’ Song of Songs 2:4
‘My food’ said Jesus ‘Is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work’ John 4:34
Opening Prayer
You are God and we praise you, you are the Lord and we acclaim you, our eternal Father and Great Creator, all creation waits for you. All the angels, all the powers of heaven sing in endless praise ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.’
We praise you for you sustain your Creation and you sustain us. You have provided us with many material blessings- food/drink, shelter, family and friendship. Thank you for your generosity.
Let our food be to do your will. We echo Richard Baxter’s prayer: ‘My Lord, I have nothing to do in this world but to seek and serve you; I have nothing to do with a heart and its affections but to breath after you; I have nothing to do with my tongue and pen but to speak to you and for you, and to publish your glory and your will.’
Father, we adore you, for in Christ we are brought near and made sons and daughters of the living God. You have given us your Spirit by which we cry ‘Abba Father’. By your Spirit you strengthen and guide; you lead us into truth. Please guide us this morning. Amen
Opening Hymn
‘Break Thou the bread of life to me’ MP 64 (Piano)
Mary Artemisia Lathbury
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPGiVA731lM
Reading. 1 Samuel 23: 7-14
Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, "God has handed him over to me, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars." And Saul called up all his forces for battle, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men.
When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod." David said, "O LORD, God of Israel, your servant has heard definitely that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the town on account of me. Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, tell your servant." And the LORD said, "He will." Again David asked, "Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?" And the LORD said, "They will."
So David and his men, about six hundred in number, left Keilah and kept moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he did not go there.
David stayed in the desert strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.
Prayers
Lord, we pray today for your Church carrying a gospel of forgiveness and freedom which is so much needed in our world. Thank you for those with a gift for sharing this good news. Living God, you have made yourself real to us in Christ, help us now to make you real to others demonstrating our faith through the people we are, the service we offer and the lives we lead.
Heavenly Father, we pray today for countries where there is war, random violence, or only fragile peace. We think of the troubled parts of the world, where there is so much suffering, where darkness prevails and where the light of the Lord seems so remote. We pray for people whose humanity is denied by others – for those suffering from malnutrition, illness, and disease – for those living in fear of soldiers, or tanks or rockets. We pray for those working in places of power and influence who make decisions which may affect many people. May hearts which have been darkened by violence discover a different light and better ways of diplomacy and forgiveness. We pray for the peace of the world – for statesmen and rulers that they may have wisdom to know – and courage to do – what is right.
Lord, we thank you for the universe, our great home; for its vastness and beauty beyond our knowledge, and which we can only imagine. Your glory touches us in the light that we see, the fruitfulness of the earth and the joy of its creatures. We thank you for the mystery of music, the singing of birds, and the laughter of children. Help us to truly appreciate and pay due respect to your earth which is so full of your riches yet at present sadly struggling with worldwide famine and drought.
We pray for our community and its life, for our homes and schools. We pray for those whom we love, the special people you have given to us wherever they may be. We pray for our friends, the close ones and those we sometimes forget. Those with a special problem and those who need you. We thank you for each of them and what they give to us. Keep us faithful to them as you are faithful to us.
Lord, we especially hold before you today those who are troubled – those with many doubts or uncertainties who desire confidence and trust. We pray for their freedom from anxiety, rejection, and fear. We pray for all who are in need both within our own families and in the local community. We pray for those for whom this day will seem long and hard, for those in hospital or ill at home, those struggling with despair or depression those waiting for a job, or important news, or a friend to call them. We pray particularly for those for whom this day will be their last. We pray now in silence for the people and things that are most dear to our own hearts – they are probably too many to list, but we pray for any we know to need your comforting presence. As we have named them in our hearts so let them feel your presence and friendship in their lives as we commit them to your loving care. (From https://www.stchristopherschurch.org.uk/)
Hymns
‘Thank you Jesus’ MP 633
Alison Revell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIPa2KR520M
‘Above all powers’ MP 1022
Lenny LeBlanc and Paul Balloch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg9zjVUz9Kw
Sermon.
‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies’ (Psalm 23:5)
The preceding verse to our verse today states “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and staff they comfort me”. There are times in life where the Shepherd leads us through the valleys. He must do this if the sheep are to get to higher ground and feed of the pastures there. The valleys are where evil is brought to bear against us. And the worst evil that every one of us will face is death. We are tempted as Christians not to follow the Lord because of the prospect of the valleys. We find it very hard to hold together that He is the Good Shepherd who leads us, and yet we are led through valleys- dark places in our lives.
When we were young- in years or faith- we thought we would be spared valleys. Perhaps we thought if we stay close to the Lord, and seek to obey Him as best as we understand, if we are honest and ready to admit where we have sinned, then we will proceed through life trouble free. The Lord will see to it. It’s as though we have mentally done a deal with God. After all there’s not many who seem to want to have anything to do with Him, so surely He will cushion my experience.
And, of course it is true that much of our life is obvious blessing under the Lord. We sometimes miss it because of ingratitude, but we have material provision- more than enough in this country. |And, in general, far more than that enjoyed by previous generations. We have family and friends; the potential to grow close, supportive relationships. For much of our lives here we have enjoyed good health. God has given us gifts to exercise and skills to develop which when exercised in love prove beneficial to others and bring us personal satisfaction. The thing that mars any of this is simply sin especially justified sin- where we have done wrong but refuse to confess it and wilfully persist in it. This is devastating for our relationships. However, as we follow the Lord His aim is to free us of sin. So following Him does bring obvious blessing. By purging us, refining us, if we are teachable before Him, we will learn to be more loving- more useful to Him and of greater blessing to others. We could say that following the Good Shepherd, keeps us from many unnecessary valleys of our own making- the results of the old sinful nature- the bitter fruit of anger, rage malice, slander and so on (Col.3:8).
But, the Christian will face trials, valleys. There’s no making deals with the Lord. Indeed, in following Him we enter certain difficulties not faced by non-Christians. Unlike non-Christians, we have an enemy, the devil. The Bible tells us that unbelievers are no threat to Satan, because he has blinded them to their spiritual condition (2 Cor. 4:4). But when we are converted we stir up Satan’s hatred, and he will ruthlessly try to thwart God’s plans. If we are faithful to the Lord and His Word, then that ends up convicting others for whom neither of these are priorities- God will show them, but they have a choice, they either are open to the Lord and repent and change so that God is first, or they justify their lukewarm approach, and attack you.
It’s amazing to think how attractive Jesus was to the majority of people on the onset of his ministry. He went about doing good. He challenged evil wherever he went, strong conviction, authoritative- unlike their religious leaders. But his days of popularity were few. People fell away when they realised they had to change before God, and finally the crowds who once hailed him as King turned against Him and even called for His death.
So there are valleys for the Christian. If comfort is what life is all about for you, then don’t follow Christ. Yes, the Lord comforts us, the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, but the Lord is not about giving any of us a life of ease, cosseted from trouble or trial. Rather, the Lord develops courage and righteousness in our lives. Life is to be lived, not in personal ease or laziness, but in conviction and service. In fighting the good fight. For what is noble and truly loving. The valleys will come- some because you are a Christian. However, the worst of these valleys is death- and we all will have to travel through that valley.
The thought of our verse this evening follows on from these reflections. David has talked about the valley of the shadow of death, perhaps as representative of various evil shadows that threaten us. Here, it seems to me is the other terrible shadow that we all face at some time or other in our lives. Not death- but other enemies. Living enemies. When we face opposition from other men and women. Particularly if we face it because we are Christians.
David himself knew all about facing enemies. Saul’s unrelenting persecution of David for example. He hounded him. He killed any who he thought guilty of sheltering David. And because of Saul’s power, others, who wanted to curry favour with the King, betrayed and acted treacherously towards David. David had saved one town from the Philistines, but even they were ready to betray David into Saul’s hands. And make no mistake, Saul wanted David’s life.
While David would not claim sinlessness, it was clear that in respect to Saul, or to any treachery against him or to any treatment he received from others based on some supposed crime of his, David was innocent. He could turn confidently to God with clean hands and a pure heart. (Ps. 7:3-5). It was torture that they should be so malicious towards him, while he was willing to give himself to prayer and ministry on their behalf: “their teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword”
David had suffered terribly. No pain is harder to bear as the malice of others against us. That is what David suffered from most of all. It was torture to his highly sensitive spirit.
The valley of malicious enemies. Is there anything to help us from our verse when we face such opposition ourselves?
David says “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”.
Even when your worst nightmare comes true, and other people turn against you, slander you behind your back, try and kill your good name/reputation, treat you unjustly, even betray the goodness you have shown to them. Even within that, the Lord- David says- will sustain you, provide for you. Indeed the image of the banquet suggests a rich abundance even in the midst of opposition.
In the valley of the shadow of death- the sting is taken out of death, only the shadow remains and a shadow cannot harm us. And we need not fear because the Lord is with us in that valley. His presence and eternal realities become more important to us. So too, in this valley where we are surrounded by enemies- where men are looking to do their worse to us- we have inner resource/provision from the Lord. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
In David’s case, the Lord provided him with refuge in the cave of Adullam, friendship with Jonathan, and a following of those who would one day share in his rule when he would be made king. Later God provided a banquet for David at the expense of yet another enemy he was to face- Nabal. But the Lord again over ruled through Nabal’s wife Abigail. And David and his men were provided with all they needed. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
It’s interesting to me that despite all Saul’s best efforts to kill David- and with all his power and cronies, he should have easily done so, God did not give David into Saul’s hands: “Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands” (1 Sam.23:14). God is not bound by the actions of our enemies. Whatever their malice against us or their attempts to block God’s blessing of us- they cannot frustrate God’s intention. They are impotent. Their evil intent is opposed to God’s good intent, but man is man and God is God. God is more powerful. A drop of water cannot put out fire. The attempts, connivance and plottings of evil people are too short and weak to resist God’s divine blessing. The greater blessing, He will bring about despite our enemies worst intentions. So within the oppression the Lord provided for David, and further He had the greater blessing, the banquet to come- David would one day be made King.
This is a great incentive to us to still keep looking to the Lord, though we face human opposition. He is Sovereign, greater than our enemies. He will sustain and bless us-even in the midst of opposition. And every malicious effort they attempt, He will turn around- and make for greater good and blessing.
The Parable of the Sower warns about seed sown on rocky places- seed sown in the hearts of those who have no root “When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away” (Matt.13:21). Fear, concentrating on the obvious threat. (Rather like in the shadow of death- concentration on present deterioration and of total loss/possible punishment). But faith sees… that when human opposition comes- the Lord is present, the Lord is Sovereign, there are promises that will sustain us, there is assured hope that He will bring about a great good – indeed a banquet.
We think our human enemies- or even spiritual enemies for that matter- will stop God’s blessing/ the banquet. So other people and what they do/don’t do become our obsession. But it is not in their power stop God’s blessing. Despite their worst attempts against him, the one rooted in the Lord will know He is present and is bringing about great good.
It’s interesting in the Book of Acts- we read of the Apostles chained and imprisoned, but singing and praising God. Clearly they have this inner resource- a sense of the Lord’s presence that maintains them and keeps them strong. And through these experiences others are won to the Lord- so there is the harvest/ the banquet going on in and through the opposition. Others watch and realise the Lord is at work- the guard and his family who come to faith after hearing Paul and Silas praying and singing hymns to God, though manacled in stocks. The Apostle Paul even traces God’s sovereign hand in his being imprisoned, because he writes to the Philippians “I want you to know that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel.
Just think about the Apostle Peter, he was able to sleep, even though he was bound in chains between 2 guards. The fear that Herod would send for him and have him executed the next morning would have certainly entered his head, but he had a greater contentment in his relationship with the Lord. The Lord used this occasion to show His power and His purposes. He delivered Peter, blessed the church, and made the whole episode contribute towards the expansion of the church through outreach.
Looking at testimonies of martyrs recorded by Foxe, and also more modern examples, there is no doubt that these had to suffer terrible injustice and humiliation, but time and time again you see there is a sustaining within; of God’s presence, His provision, they have clearly fed their hearts and minds on the Scriptures- so they are strengthened, and they have an awareness of the banquet to come:
Anthony Parsons, an English priest who was burned at the stake “cheer up, my brothers, and lift up your hearts to God, for after this harsh breakfast we shall have a good dinner in the kingdom of Christ our Lord and Redeemer…This is God’s armour, and now I am a Christian soldier prepared for battle”
And, more recently- Pastor Sze, a Chinese house-church leader who was imprisoned for his faith said “Before prison we heard about God. But in prison we experienced God.”
The Lord Himself supremely exemplifies the principle of our verse “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
The Lord Jesus Christ was envied by the religious leaders and maliciously treated by them. He was let down by Herod and Pilate- those in positions of authority who should have ensured that he was treated justly, but Herod was debauched and Pilate was a coward who feared the loss of his position. Even the crowd preferred that a murderer be released. Jesus was flogged and crucified – the most barbaric, prolonged death. The Lord Jesus was surrounded by enemies. Not only human, but spiritual forces too. “The Passion of the Christ”, film, depicted Satan moving among those who treated Christ despitefully- feeding them with more hatred.
But through it all, the Lord was sustained. In Gethsemane, where he resisted the temptation to side step the cross, Jesus received strengthening and encouragement from an angel. He kept seeing the Mission God had given Him and acted accordingly, even though his natural desires would have urged him to adopt an attitude of safety first. Jesus said “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work” (John 4:34)”. Jesus kept focused on Scripture; on the Prophets and what they had foretold. He knew that his atoning sacrifice was the means by which God would bring salvation to all who put their faith in Him. In this way a banquet was prepared for all who would be willing to receive the benefits obtained for us by the Lord. His enemies had done their worst, but through it all the banquet was prepared.
Writing to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul reminds them that Christ is the Passover lamb and that we believers are to imitate the Israelites. They faced the Egyptian opposition, but their provision and sustenance came from the Lord. They were ready to flee Egypt at a moment’s notice. However they were to enjoy a feast together while they waited. The eating of the lamb, and the painting of blood on the outside walls of their homes, was what the Lord gave to them as His means of deliverance. But these also symbolised the coming redemption truly won for us by the Lord Jesus.
And when we partake of the Lord’s Supper we should see it as representing the banquet the Lord has called us to partake off. This banquet represents all the benefits won for us through the Cross- justification, adoption, sanctification, and so on; all because Christ’s body was broken for us, His blood shed for us. But the Lord’s Supper, this meal we share together also speaks of that great day when we will be gathered with all believers of every age to feast in the Kingdom.
It’s wonderful to think all this has already been prepared for us by the Lord. It shows His care of us. He does not let us be taken by surprise, but rather foresees what we need and has prepared beforehand the food that will sustain us.
The invitation to the banquet still goes out today. Others may think us of little account, at best to be ignored, at worse opposed, yet to each who respond to His invitation they are the Lord’s treasured guest:
“A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of
the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’
“But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I
must go and see it. Please excuse me.’
“Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’
“Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
“The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house
became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled,
the blind and the lame.’
“‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’
“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will
be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’ ”
(Luke 14:16-24)
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Final hymn
‘The king of love my shepherd is’ MP 649 (Piano)
Henry Williams Baker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abq6toGxBs8
Blessing
‘The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all’
David Barnes (23/8/22)