An Unusual Meal
Scripture Reading — Proverbs 15:1-17
Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.
Some lines in the book of Proverbs may not seem to apply to us today, and we might struggle to connect them with the call to follow Jesus and to live wisely and obediently for the Lord. In such cases, we must read them as reflections on life sending us to search for wisdom as Christ’s disciples.
Today’s proverb about a meal, though, is one to which most of us can respond with a hearty “Amen.” Having a meal together remains a time-honored expression of hospitality and friendship. The luxury of a fattened calf ordinarily was reserved for special occasions. Mealtimes can be wonderful times of building bonds of love. They’re vital to healthy family life. Hatred should not be on the menu.
During his last supper with his disciples, Jesus said, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15). And what follows is an account of Christ’s amazing love amid those who would soon betray and deny him, contributing to his suffering. Though his followers shouldn’t have treated him that way, Jesus endured all of his suffering willingly so that we could be healed of our deadly sin and reconciled with God. Now God welcomes us to the great feast of his kingdom, and we enjoy a foretaste of that when we celebrate holy communion for Jesus’ sake! We “do this in remembrance” of him (Luke 22:19).
Lord Jesus, thank you for the gifts of life and love that we can celebrate at your table. May we reflect your love and faithfulness in we all do! Amen.
About the author — George Vink
Pastor George Vink has served as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church for more than 30 years in British Columbia, Montana, Michigan, and California. He and his wife, Shirley, have four married sons and nine grandchildren.
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