
Do you sometimes resent all those hours in the kitchen because of the more worthwhile items on your TO DO list? At times, I do. Especially this season of the year. Recently, I heard a statement that has revolutionized the way I think about the time I spend in the kitchen.
"Jesus took time out of His sermon to feed people."

- Jesus asked the people to sit down, which they did, in groups of hundreds and fifties, "looking like so many garden plots" (The Amplified Bible). Even though the hour was late, they didn't "eat and run" or eat standing up. They sat down.
- Jesus gave thanks. A simple tradition that acknowledges a heavenly Father who takes care of us.
- The food was simple yet nutritious: fish and bread.
- This picnic was an organized affair, not a free-for-all. Lots of helpers made it work. Jesus distributed "to the disciples and the disciples to those sitting down."
- There was plenty. The people ate "as much as they wanted."
- Nothing was wasted. Jesus gave specific instructions to "gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost."
- In the gathering dusk, the people went home with more than full stomachs. The experience touched them. "This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world."
The next time we're tempted to sigh over the endless cooking and baking responsibilities and all that goes with it, or even feeding a baby every three hours around the clock, let's remember how Jesus took time out of His important kingdom service to feed people. There's a whole lot of worthwhile-ness in that!
Quote by Jennie Allen, Restless: Because You Were Made for More, W Publishing, 2013, video for Lesson Six.
Story from Matthew 14:14-21, Mark 6:33-44, Luke 9:11-17, John 6:1-14.
Photos from bing.com
Great "food" for thought, Sarah (no pun intended!). Cooking has never been a passion of mine, and your post has given me fresh resolve that's there is more to it than the necessity of making food.
ReplyDeleteEverything we do with the love of God in our hearts gives off something, including the food we prepare. As you show us, Jesus is an example of this, as His focus is always on blessing the people, not the "drudgery" of the task.
Thanks, Cheryl. I think of this quote now every time I walk into the kitchen to make dinner . . . gives the mundane a higher dimension. Have a Merry Christmas!
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