To “put on the dog” is a term that is believed to have been in America from the time of the Civil War. For those not familiar with the phrase, it means to make things extra special. When we have guests in our home, or when she plans a special event in the community or at church, my wife “puts on the dog.”
Michelle is a thrifty spender. She doesn’t patronize the “uptown” stores for her do-dads, but she can take items from the local dollar store and dress them up with fancy additions, so no one knows the difference.
And the meals are exquisite. Her banquets are considered feasts by most, and desserts are her specialty. Michelle loves to welcome and entertain guests.
God does, too, as David testifies. “You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings” (Psalm 23:5 NLT). In David’s culture, hosts anointed their guest’s heads with fragrant oil as a type of lotion. The idiom hadn’t been invented, but they “put on the dog,” nevertheless.
God invites everyone to his heavenly banquet, but only those who come by the door of Christ’s forgiveness actually enter. Upon entering, our position changes from guest to child and friend. God honors us with a never-ending party. Time changes to eternity, which is not measured in days or years.
But we don’t have to wait for heaven to receive God’s blessings. They’re available and experienced from the moment we trust Jesus as our Savior. Jesus offers abundant life now and throughout eternity. God’s blessings don’t necessarily entail wealth and power, but they always involve the peaceful assurance that he’ll give what we need, when we need it, and for as long as we need it.
Is your cup overflowing with God’s blessings?
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