This is part of the worship series,
"Psalm 23"
Series Introduction
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5
Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10
Week 11 | Week 12
Week 8
God’s Invitation to the Feast
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5a).
Weekly Email
This verse changes the metaphor of the psalm. No longer is the psalmist comparing himself to a sheep and God to a shepherd. Now the psalmist is a guest in the home of a gracious host. The guest comes to the host feeling unworthy or embattled, surrounded by enemies, by people who think or act poorly towards the guest. Perhaps the guest has been snubbed at other feasts. But not here, not by this host. This host loves the guest so much that he honors that guest in front of the very people who have hurt or rejected the guest. “Here, there is a feast for you,” the host says; “Here, you belong.” No matter where you face rejection or obstacles this week, remember that you are always welcome at the table of our God.
Sermon
Matthew 22:1–14 "Invitation to a Banquet"
Sermon notes by Rev. Chelsey Harmon are available from the Center for Excellence in Preaching.
Children’s Message
Let’s remember together all the things Psalm 23 has helped us celebrate. We’ve rested in green pastures and enjoyed quiet waters. We’ve gotten to walk down paths of righteousness, and we’ve been comforted in death-shadowed valleys. We’ve been guided and protected by God’s rod and staff. Wow, this psalm has really helped us see what God has done for us when we think about God as a shepherd! But do you remember waaaaay back to when we talked about the first verse of this psalm and said there were lots of different names for God? Well, the psalm doesn’t just talk about God as a shepherd. It also talks about the ways God is like someone throwing a party. Psalm 24:5 says, “You prepare a table before me.”
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Think about the best, most delicious meal you have ever eaten. Now imagine that times ten or a hundred or infinity. That’s what God’s party food is like! Now imagine that you were at a party where you felt like the other people didn’t like you very much. Maybe you don’t feel good enough to be at this party, or maybe you worry about what other people think of you. But the host looks you in the eyes and says, “You are my guest. You belong here. I’m throwing this party for you, and we are going to celebrate together.” As we go through the rest of this psalm, keep that idea of an incredible celebration in mind and remember how happy we can all be that we are invited.
Song Suggestions
“All Creatures of Our God and King” Draper and St. Francis of Assisi
“We Will Extol You, God and King” Scheer
“My Shepherd Will Supply My Need” Watts
“Soon and Very Soon” Crouch
Prompts for Reflection
Journaling Prompt: Before the communion elements are distributed, the pastor often says, “These are the gifts of God for the people of God.” Just as Jesus gave us the sacrament of holy communion, so the host in this psalm gives a meal to the guest. Spend some time this week reflecting and journaling on the theme of God preparing meals for God’s people. Where in the Old Testament does God provide food? What about in the New Testament? Why is a feast such a good metaphor for what God gives us? Faith Practice: Engaging Scripture
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Activity Prompt: Consider volunteering this week at a food pantry or food bank. When you serve people in this way you are helping to prepare physical tables for members of your wider community. As you serve, ask God to make this physical blessing a spiritual one too. Consider how you can be a gracious host in imitation of our God, blessing those who may have faced much rejection and many obstacles. Faith Practice: Service
Activity Prompt: Throw a party—big or small, multi-course or one-pot, themed or casual. Gather people together and share food and fellowship. As you prepare for and enjoy the time with friends and/or family, reflect on the ways God hosts us in the everyday, at the Lord’s Supper, and also in the eternal celebration we look forward to. Faith Practice: Hospitality.
Listening Activity: Listening is hard in a world that moves so fast and is full of obligations. Listening is similar to making time for a family meal when fast food might be much easier. Spend time this week at the table of our God. Sit down somewhere with few distractions. Set the timer on your phone for five or ten minutes, then commit to not looking at your phone during that time. Listen. What does your host want to tell you? What message of welcome in a world of rejection does he have for you? If you find your mind wandering, repeat the phrase “He prepares a table before me” to refocus and recenter your mind on God. Faith Practice: Listening
Revised Common Lectionary
Year A: Easter—Fourth Sunday of Easter
Year A: Season after Pentecost—Proper 23 (28)
Year B: Easter—Fourth Sunday of Easter
Year B: Season after Pentecost—Proper 11 (16)
Year C: Easter—Fourth Sunday of Easter
