Not that edible food, the food you eat? No.”
– Erykah Badu (Apple Tree)
Some of you will have to explain the quoted lyrics to your kids. For the rest of us old heads, I have to tell you that if I had heard these lyrics for the first time today, I might have screamed “FACTS” while simutaneously changing the station to something more nourishing. The general idea that the concept of food extends beyond the physical and encompasses the spiritual is nothing new, but it is something many of don’t learn until much later in life. So let’s explore how the foods we eat, both physically and metaphorically, contribute to our walk with Jesus. Come in! Grab a seat at the table and let’s dig in!
Feasting on the Bread of Life: Nourishing our Souls
Just as our bodies need physical sustenance, our souls require nourishment from the Word of God. In John 6:35 (NIV), Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” By feasting on the teachings of Jesus and immersing ourselves in His Word, we find sustenance and spiritual fulfillment. Real bread, however…That may be a problem.
The Forbidden Fruit: Temptations and Discernment In the Garden of Eden
Adam and Eve faced the temptation of the forbidden fruit. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment in our choices, both in the physical and spiritual realms. In the physical, it’s just an apple, but in the spiritual it was sin. Just as Adam and Eve were lured by the allure of the forbidden fruit, we too must exercise caution in what we allow into our lives. It may appear so simple in the physical, but in the spiritual it’s waging warfare on you and hindering your spiritual growth. Discernment!
Gathering Around the Table: Communal Fellowship
Throughout the Bible, we see the significance of gathering around the table and sharing meals as an expression of fellowship and unity. Whether it was Jesus sharing a meal with His disciples or the early Christians breaking bread together, the act of eating together fostered a sense of community and strengthened relationships. As African American believers, we understand the power of communal fellowship and the joy of breaking bread with our loved ones, but this practice extends beyond the table. When was the last time you were in church? How’s your fellowship going in those areas?
You know when you’re on a diet and you simply can’t call on certain friends because you know that you’ll bem eating White Castle by the end of the day. That’s the importance of community. That’s the importance of surrounding yourself in fellowship with people who eat like you. That’s the importance of attending church.
Spiritual Nourishment for Endurance: Elijah and the Angel’s Food
In 1 Kings 19:5-8 (NIV), we find the story of Elijah, who, feeling exhausted and discouraged, receives nourishment from the angel of the Lord. This account reminds us of the importance of spiritual nourishment during times of weariness and trials. Just as God provided food for Elijah’s physical and emotional well-being, He offers us sustenance through His Word and the support of our Christian community when we are in need. I won’t beat a dead horse… Reach out to your church community and get hungry for the Word.
Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) says , “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Your journey with Jesus is greatly influenced by the company you keep. Surrounding yourself with fellow believers who uplift and encourage you is vital for your spiritual well-being and your ability to live a “Better Life.”
FACTS!