Joshua 1:8
"...[B]ut you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8).
"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39).
"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13).
This chapter is yet another reminder that everything we do as christians, including what and where we eat, has implications. Our lives are a testimony of who we are and we ought to live intentionally....quite a challenge but nothing is too difficult for God.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that this chapter pertaining to eating food begins with knowledge and love; knowledge puffs up but love builds up. To a culture that declares knowledge as power and love as weak, we see the truth of what Paul writes all around us and even in our own lives.
ReplyDeletePoint to ponder: any thoughts on what Paul may be referring to and why he would start this chapter in such a way?
What do you think Josh/ Mary?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds a lot like what Paul writes in Romans Ch 14 v 13 - 22
I love the truth Paul expresses here that goes right along with what Jesus sais in Luke 10:21 -
"At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.""
I couldn't help but wonder if Paul had the first sin and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in mind when he wrote this. Let me explain. With Adam and Eve, it wasn't the fruit that was the issue but rather their disobedience; Likewise Paul writes that their is no food that brings us closer or separates us from God but rather what lies behind that food. Adam and Eve were puffed up in their pursuit of knowledge/being like God; Likewise many think that what they eat/don't eat contributes to their "religious experience". With God, it was never about the fruit on the tree but simply in the notion that they should obey because they love; Likewise Paul states that we should watch what we eat/don't eat, not because there's anything wrong with the food, but because we ought to love others and identify with them, while "glorifying God with our bodies". Food is not the issue- it's why we're eating the food and who we're eating with.
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought the Paul comment was pretty funny too! And I'm sure he would have thought it funny as well.
ReplyDeleteWell hopefully Paul would know I kid with love. :)
ReplyDeleteHey I think you're on to something there. That's really good Josh. Same truth in both situations. You're good. :)