Psalm 23:5(a) “You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies”…

This remarkable Psalm is known as the universal Psalm and it ranks favourite among all Christians irrespective of age, gender and denomination. It has been set to music in various genres and its one of those rare songs - sung in weddings as well as funerals. In life or in death, this is a classic hymn whose melody lingers even when the song is over. David, a simple, faithful shepherd boy in the wilderness, recounts his divine connection with his Great Shepherd based on his shepherd-sheep relationship.

Eastern shepherds were rugged, tough and spry. They were intrepid caretakers, who willingly confronted wild beasts to protect their flock. Every morning before the sheep were let out, they would go around with their staff, searching for pot holes in the pastures. They knew that the sheep’s worst enemy, the snake, would be lurking in the pot holes to sting them to death.

After identifying the pot holes, they would pour an ample amount of hog’s oil (a highly viscous liquid) into these holes, before the sheep were led to graze. The oil inside the pot hole would be so slippery, that every time the snake made an attempt to climb out, it would fall back into the hole. Right in the presence of their enemies, the sheep would enjoy their delicious meal before dozing off for a siesta - knowing that their shepherd was always around.

The Good Shepherd – our Lord Jesus Christ does this for all His sheep, no matter where our enemies lurk. Be it any situation, He grants us victory, right in the presence of our enemies!

The Lord is our Banner – Jehovah Nissi

Thought for the day - The Lord is our Protector and Provider, in the midst of our adversaries.