I do not know about you, but I have been eating a lot lately. I will need to do a check on my caloric intake soon before my clothes exceed its elasticity. LOL Yeah, but its fun to eat! Do we eat to survive or just eat because that is what we do? I believe both, but probably more of the last than mere survival. I am not going to offer a diet alternative, but suggest we eat with a purpose. My wife and I have intentionally made a mission out of buying take away food at our favorite restaurants because of this COVID-19 stay at home, stay safe directive. I am also very proud of my church for creating a new mission to help health care workers on the battle lines. It gives me great comfort in knowing we are all in this together. We can make a difference by small acts of sacrifice to our pocket books or our time. Think out of the box in your giving. I also believe that when we eat with a purpose, our eyes are opened to be made known. What do I mean made known?
In 1 Peter 1:23, we are born anew by the imperishable seed of the living word of God. That seed grows into a spiritual food that makes us grow into a new creation. But, how do we get our eyes opened to begin the growth? I believe we are made known in the breaking of the bread. There is a story about two people walking to a village called Emmaus not too far from Jerusalem. They are distraught because they have lost a loved one through an evil event. We can compare the loss of our loved ones similarly, if the event, in our eyes, are perceived evil. Examples could be death by a drunk driver, excessive smoking, overeating, murder, war or even the act of spreading a deadly virus. We can be overwhelmed to the point where we can not see a person walking along side of us for who he really is. We can be so caught up in the news of the day a comforting hand can be perceived as a stranger who has just arrived unaware of the tragedy. I can imagine that nearly all of us are in a state of uncertainty full of questions to what should we do next. Can we go out or should we just stay away from the darkness all around us, ignore strangers and stay in a state of despair? I believe the only way we can see the light is by focusing our attention on the light. I believe when we eat, with the purpose of discovering the light, then and only then, can we begin to see a new reality. When we break bread together, we can have our eyes opened to new possibilities. Mary was upset that they had taken her master’s body away until she heard his voice and then declared, “master”. Peter just wanted to go fishing and forget about his troubles so all the disciples went on a fishing excursion. They saw the light of another day and a new beginning. The two on the road did not recognize the true light until Jesus was made known to them as he broke the bread. (Luke 24:35) My original question was what do I mean being made known?
I believe we will get through this when we eat with a purpose not just to eat, but to commune with each other, consider new realities in life, uplift one another and focus on what is most important in life. Above all, recognize that he is not just a visitor walking along side of you, but your savior leading you to a new beginning. Bring your church from inside to the outside world and peace be with you.
The audio message below was recorded on May 4th, 2014. Enjoy and stay blessed. T