Your Seat at the Table

Terra Parsons
Oct 24
4 min read

Understanding God's Invitation in Psalm 23:5

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." — Psalm 23:5

What if I told you that right now, at this very moment, there's a table set with your name on it?

Not a table you have to earn your way to. Not a table where you're merely tolerated. But a table where you are wanted, seen, and celebrated.

This is the stunning reality of Psalm 23:5. Let's explore what it means to truly take your seat.

1. Know That the Table Exists

Many of us spend our lives trying to blend in, desperate to belong somewhere. We hustle for acceptance, perform for approval, and exhaust ourselves seeking a seat at tables that were never meant for us.

But Psalm 23 reveals something remarkable: He prepares a table before you.

Not someday. Not if you get better. Right now. There is a table set with your name on it.

A Place of Provision and Presence

A table is where people gather to eat, talk, and share life. It's where strangers become friends and communities are built. At the Lord's table, He offers communion and connection—a taste of heaven on earth.

"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer." — Acts 2:42

Picture a long, beautiful table illuminated by flickering candlelight. Everyone has a place card with their name carefully written. Conversations start tentatively but soon flow freely—laughter, stories, genuine connection. No one here is a stranger.

This is the Kingdom of God at work.

Scripture itself is God's written invitation to all humanity: "Come to My table."

2. Discover What's on the Table

In the Old Testament, the Table of Showbread stood in the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:23-30). It was called the Table of the Presence, holding twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Only priests could eat this sacred bread.

But David—not a Levitical priest, but from the tribe of Judah—understood something deeper: access by relationship. He feasted in God's presence because he knew God's heart.

That's what makes Psalm 23 so powerful. David had access to a table he technically didn't qualify for.

And now, so do you—through Jesus, our Great High Priest.

Jesus: The Bread of Life

Jesus declared, "I am the Bread of Life." He is the sustenance on the table—our portion, our nourishment, our everything.

• He is the provision and the presence

• He is the bounty, the more-than-enough

• He is everything you need

Your seat is waiting. Will you sit and partake?

3. Don't Exclude Yourself

Here's a painful truth: some of us easily believe others belong at the table but quietly disqualify ourselves. We see our failures as greater than God's grace. We replay our mistakes and convince ourselves we've forfeited our invitation.

But hear this: You have a seat at the table because of Jesus, not because of your perfection.

"God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God." — Ephesians 2:8-9

The invitation has gone out to all. Yet many don't know they've been invited. Some of us forget we already have access. Don't let shame, guilt, or unworthiness keep you from the table that's already yours.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• What does it mean to you to be part of God's kingdom table?

• Who is someone in your life that doesn't yet know they're invited?

• How can you pray for them this week?

4. Don't Exclude Others

Sometimes we do the opposite. We accept our seat but secretly question why someone else got one too.

When a prodigal family member returns, or an old acquaintance shows up in your life again—someone you thought didn't 'fit'—do you catch yourself asking, "Why are they here?"

Grace for me, law for them—that's not the heart of the Father.

The table is big enough for everyone. If someone else's blessing makes you uncomfortable, maybe it's time to feast on humility. God's table is for whosoever will.

5. Understanding Enemies at the Table

Louie Giglio's book Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table powerfully teaches us to guard our thoughts and refuse the devil's lies. Spiritually speaking, the enemy doesn't belong in the conversation.

But as you read Psalm 23:5 again—"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies"—consider another layer:

Could it be that the Father sometimes invites you to sit at the table with your enemies so they can see His goodness? So they too can feast on Jesus?

Biblical Examples of Radical Hospitality

Jesus shared His table with both Peter and Judas. Joseph fed the very brothers who betrayed him—not once, but twice.

Reconciliation isn't always permanent fellowship. Sometimes the invitation is for a moment, a season, a sacred conversation where grace can break through.

REMEMBER

• Forgiveness releases offense — You let go of the weight

• Reconciliation restores relationship — But only if it's safe and mutual

Maybe God is asking you to set the table for peace. To invite someone into a moment where His grace can be seen through your life.