God Prepares a Banquet for His Kids

In a couple of weeks I’ll board a Boeing 747 and fly to Eastern Europe again: Vancouver—Frankfurt—Berlin, followed by a five-hour ride to our final destination in Poland. My husband and I will lead a team of volunteers to host an evangelistic English-learning family camp.

Each day consists of a conversational English class, a Bible study based on the parables of Jesus, an afternoon workshop, and lots of relationship-building activities including sports, skits, crafts, hikes, games, and casual conversations over coffee.

The week climaxes on the last evening

Everyone dons their finest outfit. The children perform songs they’ve learned during camp, and each adult and teen camper receives a certificate to acknowledge participation in the English classes. But that’s not all.

The evening begins with a banquet. Platters of thinly sliced meats and cheeses adorn a buffet table. Bowls containing vegetable and potato salads add to the menu. Baskets containing breads and rolls, dishes filled with berry jam, and plates heaped with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers await their plunder.

And then comes dessert: trays laden with watermelon, grapes and oranges, and three-tiered serving dishes stacked with delicacies baked with lemon, chocolate, coconut, vanilla custard, and more.

The banquet is a highlight for all. Joy and celebration fills the hall. Festivity rules.

A feast of a different sort

A feast of a different sort comes to mind when I think about the Polish banquet. Psalm 23:5 says,

“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.”

Imagine—the Lord prepares a feast for those who love and trust Him, and He does so in the presence of our enemies. What enemies might those be? Well, perhaps they’re the enemies of our soul. Maybe they’re the forces that threaten to sink us or knock the wind from us. Forces such as fear, grief and disappointment, insecurity, shame and guilt.

God spreads a banquet for His kids, and He forbids our enemies to ruin the fun. Envision Him standing at the entrance to the hall, arm extended with His hand like a stop sign in the enemy’s face. “Don’t even think about it,” He says. “You’re not invited. You’re not welcome here.”

I enjoy the Polish banquet once each year, but the Lord’s banquet begins afresh every morning. The table’s laden with forgiveness, peace, joy, love, and purpose. I open my mouth and He fills it with these good things. He satisfies my hunger and quenches my thirst. Every day, day after day after day…the supply of divine delicacies never ends. Surely my cup overflows with blessings.