It is the LORD’s way to prepare a table before His people in the presence of their enemies. It was that way for Israel’s Passover and for David in the 23rd psalm. It was that way for our Lord the night He instituted the table before us. If you are honest, you might admit that you’d prefer a table away from the presence of your enemies. If only you could forget about the world, flesh, and the devil for a moment and have a bit of peace and quiet with your meat. But the ways of God are higher than man.

He welcomes you to a table that is surrounded by people who really do dislike you, and some of them plot your harm. While several of your enemies are paper tigers, others are quite good at plotting your harm. The schemes of the devil are schemes after all. Some of those sins out there really have entangled you before and crouch at the door now. So let your first look be throguh this bread and wine to the body and blood of your Savior. And your second look is through your Savior at those enemies surrounding. Through Him you will see them for the pitiful adversaries xthey are. Through Him you will triumph over them. So come in faith, and welcome to Jesus Christ.