10/01/2019
What is it that keeps most people from knowing Christ, or from sitting at God’s Table? It is the lack of having experienced the amazing grace that abounds there. In knowing only this world the unbeliever is reluctant to step across the threshold of faith into a place previously unknown... even if it might promise untold wealth, happiness, and experiencing the delights at God’s feast. Yet with one real taste of the love, mercy, and grace, of God through Jesus we are changed forever.
“...I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.”
Psalms 84:10 ESV
When I was a little boy I would come to my parent’s table to eat, but I only wanted those things I was familiar with. When my mother would prepare something different I would often turn my nose up at it. She would entice me by saying how good it was, how good it was for me, and that there were starving children around the world who were longing for something this good. However, none of this changed my mind. Sometimes I would take a little taste, but when the first dab would touch my tongue I would cringe, and gag... the mind is powerful in this way, and can overcome our good senses. Trying new food was not something I relished, nor did liking it come easy... this is similar to that first tiny taste of Christ.
“"Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”
Colossians 2:21-23 ESV
But, once I had tasted something new, and was initially repulsed by the thought of it, I would complain and asked for what I already knew, then secretly my mind would keep going back to the remembrance of that new taste. Slowly I would adjust my thinking until I would try another small bite, and then upon savoring it, I would take another, and another. Suddenly the trick and deceit of my reluctant mind was overcome, and I discovered I had a new favorite food.
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
Psalms 34:8 ESV
This is how we initially approach faith in God, and Jesus Christ. We know the taste of the world, and we are reluctant to taste the honey of faith... our minds argue against this new adventure and override our senses, and Satan works to mask the flavor of heaven from us; he perpetuates the lie he started in Eden, but in this case he doesn’t tell us that we should eat what we shouldn’t... he says “don’t eat!” What we should.
“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?"”
Genesis 3:1 ESV
Once we have resisted Satan’s lie, the world’s familiarity, our own mind’s reluctance, and we take a full bite, or taste, of Jesus, then we find that God is more than just something bland in our mouth, but is exceedingly good. Once we have really tasted Him then we are changed forever, and no other food will satisfy us... we are transformed and our eyes opened to His divine nourishment.
“Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.”
Psalms 107:8-9 ESV
So are there people in our lives that have been invited to God’s table, but are reluctant to take a full measure of Jesus Christ? Well, have patience with them, and know that the taste still lingers in their mouth. Keep placing His gospel before them, and let His sweetness overcome their reluctance... pray for them, and their transformation in Christ.
“To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 ESV
And how about us? Are we reluctant as well? Do we wish to dine with God, but keep asking Him to set His table with our own favorite worldly foods? Are we reluctant to taste the heavenly honey of Jesus, and want God to change Himself, to suit our own likes and dislikes? Are we still dealing with the intransigence of our minds, and the masking lies of Satan? Well take a brimming mouth full of Jesus, and savor the truth of His goodness... be fully transformed.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the wonderful food you serve on your table. Thank you for placing a taste of this, and a bit of that, in our mouths as if we were a children, and watching as we become accustomed to your goodness. Thank you for the wine, and the bread with which we remember your Son Jesus. Thank you for the manna by which we remember Israel’s wandering. Thank you for ever good thing that comes with your many lessons, and patient teaching. Help us Lord to overcome our resistance to the fullness of faith in you, and be our shield against the lies of Satan as He tempts us. Freshen our palette, and prepare our mouths for the meal you have set before us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who calls us to His table, and sets a righteous meal before us. Praised be your name for the goodness that you present us with, and the nourishment of your Holy Word. All glory is yours Merciful Father, for your grace makes it possible for us to taste your good provision through Jesus who serves us at your Table . Great are you the Lord of the Table, and your Son who says “Come and Dine!”
“Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.”
John 21:12-13 KJV
Rich Forbes