You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. (Psalm 23:5a)
In the first three verses the sheep are seen on the home range. Verse 4 describes the journey the sheep take up to the mountain range for summer grazing. Our verse today tells of what the shepherd had already done in preparing that grazing land for the sheep. This is all an expansion of the promise of the first verse: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Let us recall the reasons why the shepherd takes the sheep through the valleys in order to get to where they are going for the summer. It is the best way, it is the well-watered way, and the way with the best forage. Though it may have its dangers (rockslides and predators), yet the shepherd is ever with the sheep on the journey, so they need not fear.
You prepare a table before me… the high mountain grazing land is referred to variously as alp lands, mesas, or tablelands. Though they are remote, the owner of the sheep takes several trips in the early spring to ready them for grazing in the summer months. He must prepare these tables in several ways. First, he must find the best place to camp. Then, he needs to find the best places to graze.
…in the presence of my enemies. He also has to look for poisonous plants and remove them; this takes a great deal of work. Then, he looks for the tracks and spoor of predators (wolves, coyotes, cougars, bears, etc.). Furthermore, he must clear out water holes. This involves removing brush that has clogged the drinking places, and repairing dams.
Each of these things takes much work, and is a picture of what our Lord Jesus has done for us. First, He went to Calvary, dying in our place, He is a wonderful Savior. We need to remember the awful cost Jesus paid to prepare salvation for us. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
Second, He has gone before us in this life, tasting its bitterness. He is a wonderful High Priest. If you know the Lord, you need to stay close to the LORD. He can help you daily to defeat the enemies of your soul: the world, the flesh and the Devil. You need to feed on His Word, trust in Him, and look to Him for the victory. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4:14-16)
Third, He has gone to heaven, preparing a place for those who trust in Him. He is a wonderful King. If you are a born-again believer, you need to look for His coming! Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. (John 14:1-4)
God wants each of us to have life, and to have it more abundantly. He is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. Oh, I plead with you, if you have not come to Him. Come! Open the door of your heart, and let Him in.