The Unbeliever's Table

As promised, we are looking at tables and for today and tomorrow, the table before us is that which has been provided for unbelievers. Here is our Scripture text. 

May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. Romans 11: 9

These are the words of David. Whose table is he referring to? To whom does the pronoun, their, refer? It refers to those whom God gave a spirit of stupor. They are those who have ears, but do not hear and eyes, but do not see. They simply do not see what is being shown them, nor do they hear what is being spoken to them. The sin of unbelief is their way. Yes, they are the children of God, but they have suffered the judgment of those who have been broken off because of unbelief – lack of faith – in the Word of the Lord.

At this early point, we are reminded of Paul’s words to the Gentiles, in Romans 11: 19 - 23 NKJV. You will say then, Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in. Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but towards you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 

It is clear then that unbelief is not tolerated by God. Here is a mighty stern warning for all believers.

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. Hebrews 3: 12 NKJV

And we see God’s Judgment and Righteousness on His children who were in the wilderness for forty years. They saw God, heard God and received His blessings throughout their wilderness journey, yet they rebelled and sinned against Him. Listen to what has been said about them.

And to whom did He swear that they would never enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Hebrews 3: 18 - 19 NKJV.

Returning to David’s admonition, he speaks about their table. What is the table?

The table is one’s Place of bread - the place from which a person eats his or her daily sustaining bread or food.

The table is one’s Provision of bread – the provision which has been made for a person to receive his or her daily strengthening bread or food.

The table is one’s Produce of bread – the produce that comes to a person, for his or her daily satisfying feeding, from a well-stocked store.  

Straightway, we think of David and how he speaks about the table which his Shepherd has prepared for him. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Psalm 23: 5a.  Note carefully where this table is set up and laid out. Yes! In the presence of his enemies. Regardless of how formidable his enemies are and regardless of how numerous their numbers may be, nothing and no one can prevent the Lord, his Shepherd, from preparing and providing a table for him. Additionally, nothing and no one can prevent him from eating from that God-prepared table. What a blessing!

Clearly, David is a believer. But what are we to know about the table set for unbelievers?

We continue and conclude, tomorrow.