Jesus Had Enemies?

Psalm 23:5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

I thought this was so good. I am not sure who authored it, but it was in a Psalm Commentary that I downloaded into my e-Sword.

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” The good man has his enemies. He would not be like his Lord if he had not. If we were without enemies we might fear that we were not the friends of God, for the friendship of the world is enmity to God. Yet see the quietude of the godly man in spite of, and in the sight of, his enemies. How refreshing is his calm bravery! “Thou preparest a table before me.” When a soldier is in the presence of his enemies, if he eats at all he snatches a hasty meal, and away he hastens to the fight. But observe: “Thou preparest a table,” just as a servant does when she unfolds the damask cloth and displays the ornaments of the feast on an ordinary peaceful occasion. Nothing is hurried, there is no confusion, no disturbance, the enemy is at the door and yet God prepares a table, and the Christian sits down and eats as if everything were in perfect peace. Oh! the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances!"

Jesus told me that we will have those in this life who will not like us because evil hates righteousness. Sometimes people see in us something that they are lacking in themselves.  Instead of seeking the peace out for themselves, they lash out at those who possess it. There have been so many in the church world who do not possess the peace that this verse is talking about. A true follower of Jesus is at peace with his fellowman with as much as lieth within him or her. They do not need to be picking and finding fault with others. 

 If someone is picking at you, it means that you have something that they don't possess. Criticism comes from an unsettled heart...one not fully surrendered to God. There are no enemies among true believers. Oh, there are different personalities and differing opinions, but not outright hostility. That which is hostile is not from His camp. 

That is not to say that we will always agree with other believers. Even the Apostle Paul had bitter disputes, yet when he and Barnabas departed ways, God still used them both mightily.

Acts 15:36-41

36.  And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. 
37.  And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 
38.  But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 
39.  And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 
40.  And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 
41.  And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. 


Although they had their differences over John Mark, we read in II Timothy 4:11


11.  Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 

After a number of years passed, Paul saw the good in Mark. He became a blessing to him. Paul turned the one who was disputed into a valuable asset. What a wonderful lesson about how you see others who are different than you!

So how do we handle the situation with our enemies?

• Jesus offers peace in the presence of enemies...those who oppose you and what you stand for. He stood quietly when falsely accused before the rulers in Jerusalem. We do not have to defend ourselves. God can do a much better job than we can.

• Jesus offers blessings beyond measure to His own. A lot of people can't see that. They do not know what living a live of full surrender really means. They do not know what it means to be calm in the midst of the storm. They have not learned that He is at the helm when there is total surrender.

• Your blessings of joy and mercy will overflow to others by dwelling in His presence. The surrendered ones have been consecrated into His service.

• Endurance of our enemy's onslaughts  bring patience with its perfect work...the work of the blessed ones overflowing with joy spilling out onto others as little bits of stardust upon a darkened life. Darkness cannot comprehend joy. 

• Those who believe in Him shall possess joy even in the midst of the trials. Joy everlasting will be your portion. That is Jesus' promise to believers.... 

Thanks for reading. I would love to read your feedback.

Donna