Tuesday, August 25, 2015
TEXT: LEVITICUS 11:21-28
KEY VERSE: “But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you” (Leviticus 11:23).
Many health challenges can be traced to eating habits. Those who failed to show discretion in the way they eat have had to pay seriously for it with their health. Also, those that have not been able to exercise control over their appetite have been known to have fallen victim of food poisoning and other spiritual attacks, in which the enemy uses food as bait. While as Christians, we have the liberty to eat whatever we like, there is the need for us to be disciplined and show discretion with regards to what we eat, when we eat and how we eat.
In our text today, the Lord specifically cautions the children of Israel on what they are to eat and not to eat. He strictly forbids their eating of certain animals. It is interesting to note that the same God who, at creation, gave man everything to eat (Genesis 1:29,30), had now restricted the children of Israel to certain foods. Those who tend to use their liberty without discretion and control, often suffer irreparable losses and damage. God’s laws and instructions are not without definite reasons which, ultimately, are for the good and well-being of man. Some of the creatures which the Lord considered unclean for the children of Israel were actually unfit for food because they were disease carriers. Besides, some were used for pagan worship and God wanted a clear distinction for His people.
Apart from the wisdom in exercising discretion in what we eat and the way we eat so that our health is not impaired, it is unthinkable for a Christian to, in the name of exercising his liberty in Christ, consume alcohol, tobacco or even eat foods sacrificed to idols. We cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table and the tables of idols. That will be abomination! In everything as well as in eating, Christians must exhibit their distinctiveness.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: NAHUM 1 - 3
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It is a contradiction to be a Christian and be gluttonous.
Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclm.org/
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