The Power of a Meal

It’s so ordinary and mundane that we often overlook it.  It happens multiple times each day and we take it for granted.  But eating is one of the most powerful acts that we do as humans.  Of course, we need food to survive.  Our bodies need nutrients to function and have the energy to accomplish our tasks.  But there is a powerful relational component to the meal as well.  When we eat with someone, we form a connection.  When we share a meal with a person, we feed that relationship, not just our bodies.  Think of all the ways that Jesus used food to do his ministry: eating with all kinds of people, including religious leaders and traitorous tax collectors.  Feeding crowds of thousands of people with just a few loaves of bread.  The greatest meal of all is the Lord’s Supper.  And how interesting that eating together is one of our sacraments?

You will eat a meal 15-20 times in the next week.  Each time you eat is an opportunity to build or deepen a relationship in your life.  Some of these meals will be taken with family members.  Some will be taken with colleagues or classmates.  Some will be taken with friends.  I’d like to challenge you in two ways.  First, let one of those meals be our luncheon on Sunday after the worship service.  This will be a powerful way to grow deeper in God’s family.  Second, share a meal this week with someone God has put on your heart.  Invite them over or invite them out.  God has intended far more for food than just nourishing our body.  It was meant to nourish our relationships as well.