Previously, in the “Are You Living a Blessed Life” post, I mentioned two criteria for living a blessed life.
1. You do not work for food that spoils
2. You understand and believe the one and only ‘Blessing’ comes from God and gives life.
This post talks about the third criteria, and it speaks about the food that blessed people eat.
Would you agree that we grew up in a society where abundance is pictured as a fat man seated in front of a table filled with much food and money?
Yes, because even until now, the “blessed life” is often portrayed or exhibited through the presence of food on the table.
Some use the variety and quantity of food stocked in the pantry or refrigerator as a gauge for being blessed, aren’t they?
Suppose you’re on Facebook (and other social media). In that case, you will observe that the standard description of “blessed life” is images (photos or videos) of foods eaten and served at expensive restaurants and hotel dining. Some would show the places they have been and the material things they have acquired.
Again, there’s nothing wrong with sharing your awesome photos of delicious food you’re eating to portray your luxurious and privileged living.
Having worked hard for it, you deserve all your friends’ praises and admiration (or scorn and envy from your detractors). Of course, how would they know the good life if you don’t share it in the fellowship or on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and other social media sites?
But then again, to label yourself as “blessed” or “richly blessed” by the Lord based on the quantity and quality of food you possess, I think you need to examine the food that blessed people eat.
Labelling yourself as “blessed” or “richly blessed” for all your abundance implies that those who have less or none aren’t blessed?
I’m sorry that none of those expensive and rare foods that have been used to convey a blessed life qualify as real food.
Jesus Christ presents a different one.
Let us reflect on the third criterion of living the blessed life.
3. You consume real food and real drink
Talking to the crowd that followed him, Jesus Christ said, “For my flesh is real food, and my blood is real drink.“
Please be clarified more by reading John 6:53-59:
- Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
- Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.
- For my flesh is real food, and my blood is real drink.
- Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.
- Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.
- This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”
- He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
So, have you “eaten” the real food and drink God has offered us?
Are you one of the blessed people who feed daily on “the bread that came down from heaven”?
Saying confidently, “Yes!” means you are living a blessed life.
The posts below are the continuation of this teaching series.
Why Gaining Material Things Doesn’t Define ‘Blessing’
Life trials are also blessings because they establish your dependence on God and strengthen your faith.
Continue Reading Why Gaining Material Things Doesn’t Define ‘Blessing’
Are You Living a Blessed Life?
Just when you thought you had nothing that would impress the material world, think about having the real bread of life – Jesus Christ.
Living the Blessed Life – Eating ‘Flesh and Blood’
How can we eat Jesus’ flesh and blood to live blessed lives? By following, obeying Jesus Christ, and living for His glory and honour.
Continue Reading Living the Blessed Life – Eating ‘Flesh and Blood’
Thank you for sharing this great reminder. Verse 58: reminds me of the Biblical, historical, cultural and contextual meaning of the manger. That was no last minute decision for Jesus to be born in a space where He could be placed in a manger. A symbol of sustenance and giver of life. Whoever eats the bread of life will never go hungry. It was a graphic illustration for His chosen people. The place where sacrificed lamb was prepared is the exact space where the future lamb will be born and through His death on the cross with His blood shed for the atonement of our sin. According to archeological research, manger is actually a hollowed out stone as a water hole for the sheep. Not made of wood.
Madamo nga salamat Pastor Jonan Castillion, isa ka mathum nga pagpamalandong kag daku nga panghangkat para sa tanan.