Psalm 23:5 (ESV)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Everyday we opened our social media pages never missing some foodie display. How many people take Instagram worthy pictures at most meals to fill their news feed? I am always amazed by people’s diligence in this affair, especially now in the past two weeks’ of Movement Control Order. There is a surge in every household to make the best homemade food galore. So much so like an unsaid competition over social media. Malaysians, especially we, Penangites – lovers of food, servers of best delicacies in the world. At least, we pride ourselves in that!
It is worth giving thanks to see hearts turned towards home. By default, people are cooking and eating healthy homemade meals. I am pretty sure in every household in the past two weeks and next two weeks, families are discussing what is on the menu every day, or perhaps every meal. Yes, maybe not for the singles staying alone. “Will eat when we are hungry.” The diligent ones will plan ahead the menu to set the table. The others will respond when the growling stomachs call.
We don’t wait until we are hungry to prepare the meals. In fact, most of us think ahead for the weeks. For some, we asked right after a meal, “What are we having later?” Food consumes our minds – the grocery shopping (especially now delivery order requires a day or more in advance), the preparation, the actual eating, and the cleaning. Oh well, this is pretty much our normal days even if we eat out mostly. We still have to think of the what, where and how.
Are we hungry? If we are, and we will – then we will feed ourselves. If our physical appetite, diligence, enthusiasm match with the spiritual – what do you think will happen?
Our MCO (Make Complete Opportunity) season for us is for us to feed our fill. “But I have to work from home.” Yes. You may have to do that, but you cut out on your preparation and travel time. It is still a redeemed time. Some of us are utterly bored and can’t wait to meet civilization again (or a pseudo civilization out there?)
We’re bored. Clueless what to do. In actual fact, boredom is good, for it leads to creativity and innovation. We’re restless. We’re anxious. We’re worried. We’re frustrated. We’re angry.
These are signs and symptoms of spiritual hunger. The spirit man is sounding the alarm of our hypoglycaemic state. For some, it is spiritual starvation. Don’t dawdle. Delay no more. Come to the table of the Lord. Our sweet Lord invites us to his table to feast with him. It is prepared. We only need to “come”. The banquet set with a lavished menu which promises a spread so abundant. We can feast even in the midst of our foes. Covid-19 and its result in us being restricted at home should not be a deterrent to our spiritual feast. On the contrary, it is such an opportune time for Psalm 23:5 to come alive.
In this banquet table, we are treated with honour, not with countless “likes” on our sumptuous food postings. But, the blessing of God anointing us with power that overflows.
Are you hungry?
Come to the table of the Lord and be filled.
Crave for the Bread of Life (Matthew 4:4).
Collect the portion of your new wine (Matthew 9:17).
“Father of Abundance, we come to your table and wait. Feed us, fill us and let us feast on your everlasting fresh manna. We will never be hungry again. We will know how to keep coming back to the table. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
© Pr Selina Khoo Lim, Gateway City Church, Penang. 1 April 2020.