July 19, 2018
Psalm 23:5-6 New Living Translation
So many of my friends are wonderful at bringing people into their homes and making them feel welcomed, valued, and safe; it’s the life fragrance of Jesus. I thank God all the time for them, because they bring joy to my life. I want to be like them. Are you a great host when people come to your home?
In our final scene of Psalm 23 today (vv. 5-6), we gain a glimpse of The Perfect Host. In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was customary for the host to anoint his/her guests with fragrant oil and protect them against enemies while in their home. Clearly, David has knowledge of this custom and understands how a good host must treat guests. So, David sings a psalm of praise to honor The Perfect Host; the Lord his Shepherd who pursues his heart with unfailing love in order to guide his life and bless him.
Every day we have the opportunity to be lovingly groomed by a Holy God; the One who pursues us and will never leave us. If we have accepted the work of Christ, he is our Host. For what purpose is God wanting to groom us? The answer is to live in his household forever. While we are making the journey in this temporal world, the Lord is getting us ready–as a perfect Host–by refining our characters, making us holy, and protecting our lives from evil.
Psalm 23 A psalm of David.
1
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
Prayer: Lord, you are always an amazing Host for my heart. Thank you for keeping me safe and blessing me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.