by Yvonne Roller
The delight of eating a meal together is relished in kitchens and restaurants throughout the world.
Friends prepare a new recipe. Adventurous folks take a bite of food from another tradition, surprised by the delicious unfamiliar combinations of ingredients — perhaps lime, coconut and peanuts with a hint of chili pepper. Some people have a food philosophy of the more exotic, the better.
References to food in the Bible excite me. Don’t get me started on my all-time favorite themes –the kingdom of heaven likened to a banquet (Isaiah), the invitation to a place at the table, (Luke) and true satisfaction in a wonderful bread (Bread of Life). And we thought Panera was good!
If food excites me, fasting intrigues me — a decision to enjoy spiritual food in the company of our Lord.
Don Quixote said, “Hunger is the best sauce,” and it applies for spiritual hunger too. The hungrier we are for God, the more satisfying He is.
Every Friday since our firstborn, we’ve fasted and prayed for missionaries’ and pastors’ children. Every time we look into their eyes, I make an internal commitment all over again. I can’t describe my affection for this generation that has grown over the years as we’ve mentioned them name by name to the Father.
Then one Wednesday morning I was challenged to fast and pray for the church. That Wednesday grew into years of Wednesdays — inspired by the traditional church calendar to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays. The Wednesday fast is rooted in a deep and complete reliance on God. This weekly practice gives structure to my week and limits my distractions. I perceive Jesus’ voice more clearly — in a truth revealed, in a spark of an idea or by the peeling away of a prejudice.
During one Lenten period, I began a reordering of my appetites by beginning each morning on my knees with my forehead to the ground in acknowledgment of the only living God. Even after Lent ended, I didn’t want to give it up. This practice continues with me through today — acknowledging the Lord moves me to more intentional submission to His Spirit.
The joy of Easter is uncontainable. There’s nothing our God can’t do — He raised Jesus from the dead; the kingdom of heaven broke into our world. Do you feel expectancy? I’m anticipating His return. I’m anticipating God meeting us at GC11. As Psalm 34:8 states, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
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