““When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.” (Luke 10:8 NIV).
The key is: “When you enter a town and are welcomed”, with no anxiety or fear, but with comfort in the Lord’s grace, we are to have freedom assimilating with the folks of the welcoming town we enter. This gives us the idea of blending in without adapting to their lifestyles. Rather, we come to convey the Kingdom blessings we bring in. With graciousness we accept and eat their victual offerings. As the Lord’s sent messengers, we rely on God to provide for our needs through the hospitality of the town folks we blend with. When shown hospitality, we are to receive it gratefully. We should not move around seeking better viands or more support, like a heathen conman does to take advantage of the goodness accorded.
In this village, where the people “accept and approve of” them, the disciples were instructed to “consume” whatever food the people of the city put before them. So do we that follow their steps. In other words, as disciples and ambassadors of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:20) we are not to set the menu. Ministers of God’s message are not to choose or demand what people should be feeding them nor are they to decide what they are to “drink”. The idea is to appreciate whatever the people offer. And they must never take advantage of people to whom they are ministering. This may be challenging at times because those who have traveled throughout the world to minister the gospel of the Lord Jesus may have “different kinds of foods” set before them. God’s gospel, provided through His Son Jesus, is to be made available to everyone “without charge”, and the grace of Jesus Christ was never to be abused by setting meal menus. Let all who read these words receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal “Savior and Lord” and never set menus as to what they should eat.
Here’s what we do, as the redeemed of the Lord, Scriptures instruct: ““If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:27, 29-31 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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