Continue in Thankfulness

Ezekiel 3:1-3 - Moreover He said to me, "Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel." So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll. And He said to me, "Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you." So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness.

What a strange thing for God to tell Ezekiel, another major prophet. "Eat this scroll."

Now that our bellies are full of turkey, dressing and all the other Thanksgiving goodies, we can go back to our normal eating habits. Hope your Thanksgiving was, well, filled with gratitude. 

I find it interesting that references to food and eating is so abundant in the Bible. It's no different today. They gathered for feasts, banquets and festive meals (like the Jewish customs of Passover, Tabernacles and Pentecost) just like we do. Jesus fed a multitude twice with only a few loaves of bread and a small number of fish; there was the Last Supper; and He prepared a meal for His disciples after His resurrection. It's a time of gathering and fellowship. Today we gather for coffee, brunch, lunch, celebrations and holiday meals. Food and feasting. Even in the Book of Esther which we have completed the reference to food and feasts was big. In Chapter 9 there is a reference to a day of rest after the Jews were saved from annihilation--a feast with presents given. The Hebrew word for present in this verse is translated "portion" which refers to something eaten!

We are told to feast on the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). We are also told that God is our Portion (Psalm 73:26). I love how intertwined and interrelated the words of God are. Feasting is always a good thing. Taking in nourishment, albeit too much sometimes! But one can never feast too much on the one good thing--God's Word. In Jeremiah we are told, Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart...(Jeremiah 15:16). A hearty Amen to that. 

The only way we can learn about God is to sit at His feet, read His Word and take in all that He has written about Himself...and then spread the word...or Word. Gobble (no pun intended) it up and share what you have with others. Ezekiel tasted and saw that the Word was good (Psalm 34:8); it even tasted like honey.

How do we learn about someone? We sit with them and talk with them...maybe over coffee or lunch, or even online. Without communication of some sort you never really know someone. And that line of communication needs to remain open or something dies. If we are not in the Word we lose something also. Interaction through God's Word is life. Each time He speaks to us...or reminds us of something He spoke into our lives once before...or reprimands us...or comforts us...or promises us...and shows His love and/or judgment.

God has a Book of Life that all believers' names are entered into. But the Bible is our Book of Life. It's our instruction manual for life issues, personal growth, confidence, strength, encouragement. It shows us God's nature and character and hopefully teaches how to take on the same nature and character.

It also shows us our sins. But God--through all the examples in His Word it shows our need for a Savior. It shows us the vulnerability of people just like us. It shows all sorts of weakness and temptations of man. And God--has provided a Way through His Son, Jesus, to overcome all sorts of sins. John 14:16 tells us Jesus said ... "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Even though Thanksgiving is over, thanks to God for His Son and His Word should not end. He is the true Source of all we have. We owe all to our Creator and special thanks are due Him. I hope with every bite of turkey, cranberry relish and pumpkin pie, we all remembered where it all originally came from--and with every bite of leftovers, do the same.

Matthew 4:4 - Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'