An honoured guest

‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.’ Psalm 23.5

Your opinion of your Christian life may not be entirely positive.  Many people have a sense deep-down that they will only manage to scrape into heaven by the back door, and that when they meet with Jesus he will probably have a problem remembering their name!

This particular verse from one of the most well-known passages of scripture gives us a whole new way of seeing ourselves – not as people who just about scrape in, but rather as honoured guests of God.  In this verse, God is portrayed as a host preparing a table for us.  He anoints us and gives us a cup – not containing dregs but one that is overflowing.  The Good News Bible translates it: ‘you welcome me as an honoured guest’.

This would be easier to grasp if we could understand why!  It would make more sense if we could list our great achievements or point to reasons why we should be so honoured.  Yet there is no reason other than the grace of God.  Before the very foundation of the world we were chosen by him, not because of our goodness but because of his love.

As you come before God today, try not to come full of apologies for your existence, but rather as a welcomed, cherished child in whose presence he longs to be.

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