Final Rest

Psalm 23:5 ESV.

Series: Rest

When I started studying for this lesson for some reason I remembered the first funeral I went to with my parents.

My great grandfather was now resting in the arms of Jesus.

I knew knew my great grandparents, the Greens from a village in Missouri. Really I knew my great grandmother more than I knew my great grandfather. The reason for that is when we went there on Sunday, we occasionally stayed together and listened to the women talk in another part of the house. I remember playing outside with my cousins and my brother. Probably the reason I was allowed to go outside at a young age is that my older brother was there.

So when my great grandfather died, and we went to the funeral, I felt like I actually knew someone who died. What I remember about him is that he did look at me and he did speak to me. In those days (in the 1950s) that was not common. It really is true that children were supposed to be seen and not heard. What I remember about my great grandfather is that he had a kind face and he was soft spoken. They made eye contact with me and once again, that was rare. If I live as long as the women in my family usually do, I need to remember to make eye contact and to touch the child.

That’s because touch is important. I knew that from my mother. She gave hugs.

When we went to large family gatherings, we always ate together. I learned that breaking bread together is important.

Psalm 23:5 says, “You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.”

I remember hearing Psalm 23 at every funeral that I went to when I was small. I didn’t understand why the presence of enemies was important. I didn’t have any enemies when I was small. My parents would not have allowed it. It turns out it is important that David mentioned enemies.

God is there for us even when enemies surround us.

Later in life, when I was surrounded by people who didn’t love me, I remembered Psalm 23:5. I learned the hard way that some church members are prone to attacked the pastor’s wife when he has said some thing they didn’t like.

God protected me when I was surrounded by wolves.

God had anointed me with oil and my cup overflows.

In the same way that my mother protected me when I was a child when enemies were about, God protects me now.

And so it is with you. The next time someone attacks you, or blindsides you, know that God is with you.

God is protecting you.

As a child of the king, you are anointed.

God will not fail you.

Deborah

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