“Taste and See that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8)

I wonder if you ever noticed just how much food plays a big part in the story of the bible. 

• The first words of God to humans are an invitation to eat (Gen 2:16)
• The first disaster in the Bible is over forbidden food (Gen 3:6)
• Before he died, Jesus’ shared a last-meal with his disciples (Matt 26:20)
• And one picture of the Bible’s hope for the future is of a massive, joyful feast! (Matt 22:1)

Meals and food together with others are often how relationships are fostered and grow. I know for myself, some of my favourite times are when I am sitting down over a meal with friends and family. 

Are you strong?

How would you answer that question (I’m thinking here about inner strength, not physical strength!)? My instinct is to answer: no way... Maybe it’s my Kiwi tendency to talk myself down. Or perhaps it’s from all the times I struggle to flee from sin and pursue godliness.

But since studying 1 John early this year, this simple verse in chapter 2 has challenged some of my thinking.

I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one (1 John 2:14).