Chew On This, Please.

In the book of Isaiah, chapter 55, verse 2, we are told “Eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” No, the prophet wasn’t talking about meat and drink; no, not in sense of a Ribeye and a glass of Merlot. In fact, elsewhere, we learn the kingdom of God is not about meat and drink but the pursuit of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Such is the meat and drink for the soul – as Isaiah went on to say, God offering ‘an everlasting covenant.’ Of course, the majority in the world are concerned about actual meat and drink. Many hunger and thirst in the truest sense, and because of that, Christians have an actively engaged ministry to meet the needs of those without. Moreover, Jesus told us we would always have the poor and hungry; thus, true Christians will always have a ministry to the poor and destitute, homeless… widows and orphans. Yes, but what we offer to those who hunger and thirst is greater than to ‘give them this day their daily bread.’ God can, and will, do that through his people, but there is more – much more! What we serve a sinner one day in meat and drink may forestall the inevitable… physical death, but what of their soul? Sadly, a soul may be left far more destitute, hungry, and thirsty than what is suffered bodily. Oh, true, the body may suffer feelings of pain when hunger and thirst sets in, but what of starvation… yes, when it ravages a person’s muscles, bones, skin and internal organs? Indeed, few of us have suffered true starvation. I would say of the soul, however, that the starvation of the soul on earth – here, where the righteousness of Christ, His peace and joy is denied – will have a far greater ravaging eternally in hell… not a ravaging of muscles, bones, skin and internal organs, but of our failed dependence-strength, reliance on false governments-institutions, outward appearances, and most excruciating, our conscience.

Indeed, if only we chewed on this, but sadly few can swallow. But to chew on this and live? Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35