11 July 2005

This week we continue on in 1 Corinthians with the discussion of chapter eight.

Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "no idol in the world really exists," and that there is not God but one." Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth - as in fact there are many gods and many lords - yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. (1 Cor. 4-6)

I remember reading the prophet Isaiah and how this prophet ridiculed the gods of the Babylonians as he encouraged the people of Israel to remain faithful to the one God who liberated them from captivity in Egypt. That God would also lead them out of Babylon! But there are many gods who attempt to rule us and take us and use us to help support them with all the resources of our lives. Many years ago, one peace activist made the argument that our ongoing love affair with nuclear weapons carried the signs of being idol worshipers. He said that idols demand everything they can get from us in order to sustain themselves...and they give nothing back that bring life. He said just look at the money we pour into their development and how little we spend to put an end to hunger in our own country...and more so, the world. Since we know that there is only one God the games of those who offer up their lives to the gods of our world do not and cannot order us around. In the church, there are many games that take our time and energy and our focus for life...but there is only one meal that counts: the great banquet of the promised Reign of God. Trust that alone and let nothing else play with your mind or your life.

Connection: We don't worry too much about what we eat these days...that is, in regard to our life as followers of Jesus. It is always good to help one another look around at our lives and find those places that cause controversy and yet...they have nothing to do with the promises of our God for new life...life we have in Jesus.

You feed us, Loving and Liberating Lord, so that we will know of the power for life that you make available to us in the midst of all the limited promises in our world. Continue to bring peace to us as we sit down to the feast of victory of our Lord, Jesus. Amen.