Articles From Our Bulletins
Eating Right
I’ve often joked about being on an “Anti-Nursing Home Diet.” When asked what that means, I say, “Gravy on the chicken fried steak AND the French fries.” So, I’m probably the last person you’d want to consult on healthy eating, at least if we’re talking about physical food rather than spiritual sustenance. But in this article, cuisine of the carnal kind is not on the menu…
For many of us, God’s Word has become more of a condiment than the entrée that was intended. We want just enough of the Holy Scriptures to season our lives with the flavor of Christianity, but aren’t really interested in having it be the main course that feeds and sustains. Evidence? What kind of preaching and bible classes do you desire? Those filled with anecdotes, personal testimonies, and just enough Bible to season chicken-soup-for-the-soul-types? Those that avoid any controversial points or specific applications to doctrinal error and sin-filled lives? Or, exegetical and topical lessons that “shell-the-corn” and aren’t afraid to address every verse in a context, or all relevant passages to a principal or point of application? Put another way: Do you really want to know all of what God’s Word says and means, or to just hear a few passages that seem to agree with what you already believe and how you want to live?
Please read carefully and contemplate fully what God said to one of His prophets during the days of Judah’s captivity as recorded in Ezekiel 2:1 – 3:4. “Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand on your feet that I may speak with you!’ As He spoke to me the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet; and I heard Him speaking to me. Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day. I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house. But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious. Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.’ Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it. When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe. Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.’ So I opened my mouth, and He fed me this scroll. He said to me, ‘Son of man, feed your stomach and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you.’ Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth. Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them.’”
Notice the following from this text:
Ezekiel was required to show reverence to God’s presence and words by standing, Nehemiah 8:1-5. Since other passages have people sitting to hear the Word, the point is one of attitude rather than posture, Luke 4:16-30.
Ezekiel was sent to rebellious, stubborn, obstinate, and transgressing people who supposed themselves to be righteous, 2Timothy 3:1-5.
Ezekiel was commanded speak God’s Word whether the people listened or not, but that they would know God’s Word had been spoken, 2Timothy 4:1-5.
Ezekiel was commanded to speak God’s words rather than relying on his own testimony or thoughts, 1Peter 4:11.
Ezekiel was told not to fear the people or their reaction, but to speak God’s Word, Acts 4:19-20; 5:29.
Ezekiel was required to eat the scroll and to fill his body with it; to speak or live for God, we must internalize the Word, James 1:21.
Ezekiel said God’s words were sweet as honey to him. These words of lamentation, mourning, and woe were sweet not because of their content, but because of their Source, 1Peter 2:1-2.
Is God’s Word the sweet and solid food that feeds and sustains you, or just a condiment to the beliefs and life you want? A hint to help answer the question: Did you/will you read for yourself the passages provided?
- Eating_Right.pdf (73.44 kB)
