Come Hungry
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Come Hungry
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Benoni Church Bulletin--060708 "Come Hungry, Leave Happy""COME HUNGRY, LEAVE HAPPY"Food is often a foremost feature in our fellowship. Of course, there are two kinds of food--spiritual food for the soul and physical food for the body. Jesus designated himself as the "bread of life," John 6:48. He adds, "Your forefathers ate manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever," John 6:49-50. Later he explains, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life," John 6:54. The pagans of Jesus' day, who took that literally, thought he was advocating cannibalism. He meant we have to allow him to become part of us--he was requiring that we digest and imbibe him spiritually. Have you ever heard the slogan, "Come hungry, leave happy?" If you visit or live in America you will have seen it on an IHOP (International House of Pancakes) menu or in their advertising brochures. Nothing ensures happiness quicker than a full tummy! Just think of that little mouth we call "a baby"--empty tummy, tears everywhere and loud wailing. On the other hand, full tummy, coo's and smiles for everyone! Of course, there is a spiritual application of that slogan as well. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled," Matthew 5:6. When we are filled with Jesus, a happy heart is the inevitable result! "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4. Church attendance is made up of those who fit the description of those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty. Benoni congregation is devoted to teaching the Bible in such a way that those who are hungry for the truth of the Word will "come hungry, leave happy." After all, the Bible says "The hungry He has filled with good things," Luke 1:53. The Bible is replete with statements about food and its goodness, provided it isn't overdone (if you'll pardon the pun). He "prepares a table before me," Psalms 23:5. He "satisfies the mouth with good things," Psalm 103:5. He "gives food to those who fear him," Psalms 111:5. He "gives them their food in due season," Psalms 145:15 -- but he expects us to find our own seasoning. He will "feed me with food convenient for me," Proverbs 30:8 (convenience foods?) We are to pray "for our daily bread," Matthew 6:11. Yet we are to remember that man doesn't live by bread alone. Finally, our food is "not to be refused, if it is received with thanksgiving," 1 Timothy 4:4. Indeed, food is one of the gifts of the grace of God! Because most of our church fellowship activities always involve food, someone has supposed that Peter wouldn't let anyone through the Pearly Gates unless she "brings a covered dish" (a casserole). It is true that we need "food for the brood." To borrow a phrase (with apologies) from the song writer, "I'm in the mood for food, simply because it's so jolly good!" No doubt about it, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach (that goes for a woman, too). On a wedding gift related to the kitchen was the slogan, "Kissin' don't last, good cookin' do." Not eloquent perhaps, but certainly true! So don't laugh now, but remembering all this just might save your marriage! Wives, who can resist a tasty meal? I can't vouch for everything in our recipe books, but many of them have left me with a whole repertoire of fantasies of culinary delights. Meanwhile, we must remember when we go grocery-shopping to "practice shelf-control" so as to always "practice girth control." Be warned, "dieting is the penalty we pay for exceeding the feed limit!" Jesus always fed the people. Remember when he fed the 5,000? Remember when he fed the 4,000? And in the story of the woman at the well in John 4, Jesus had sent His disciples into the village to buy bread. Satisfying physical hunger gives a feeling of well-being (come hungry, leave happy) and strengthens the body for daunting tasks ahead. He knew that they needed nourishment in all areas of life. Often the first step in dealing with chronic depression is breaking the self-imposed fast and eating a little food, (see 1 Kings 19: 5-8). Here at Benoni congregation, we make sure that the Word (truth), the whole Word and nothing but the Word is preached. We declare the whole counsel of God. We know that when folks come seeking Jesus with hungry hearts and thirsty souls, they will come hungry, but leave happy. We cordially invite you and yours "to dine with us" in the spiritual repast. A feast always awaits you! Let's even sup together tonight, okay? Six o'clock. Love you all, Al--"the Horne of Africa." |
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