Taste and See
by Carol Allen Anfinsen(12)AnfinsenArt
Every parent knows the frustration of having a child turn up his or her nose in disdain at a lovely meal you’ve spent hours preparing.
“Taste it,” you urge. “One bite, that’s all I’m asking.” Or this gem: “How do you know you don’t like it if you haven’t tried it?”
When my own children were still at table, nothing I said or did made any difference. That’s how it is with the Word of God. People only accept and believe when they’re good and ready. We can offer them the “Bread of Life,” and tell them how sweet it is; but until they’re ready, our words become buried in the soil of their hearts.
The seed may lie dormant for many years. But one day, when the soil is churned by experience, replenished by additional information, or awakened by need, the “word” will grow. The truth will take root. The vines will sprout leaves, and the plant will bear fruit. At that point in time, a child of God springs to new life and is reborn into his kingdom.
What is it about the word of God that makes people so afraid? Is it because of labels like “far right religious kooks,” “Bible belt fanatics,” or a clear misunderstanding about the role of government to protect each citizen’s right to worship?
Why do people fear the name of Jesus? Is it because of labels like “Jesus freaks,” “born again fringe groups,” or a complete lack of knowledge about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and its message of hope and redemption? There are those who claim to know his message, but they take his words out of context and observe cafeteria-style only those principles that are popular or politically expedient.
Why do people fear Jesus? The simple answer may be that they do not know him. They miss out on the sweetness of his love because they cling to familiar ruts, doubts and fears. Standing on the precipice of change, they are afraid to jump into the arms of the living God. They miss the experience of a lifetime because they hold fast to the things of this world: pride, peer pressure, popular opinion, and intellectual skepticism.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good;” says the Psalmist, “Blessed is the person that trusts him.” (Psalms 34:7)
Our God is a living God who hears and answers prayers and is vital to our overall health and well being. He always keeps his promises. He always does what he says he will do, but in his own time.
“Ah,” you may ask; “Haven’t the worst atrocities in human history been perpetrated by religious zealots?”
It is hard to argue with that line of reasoning. During the Crusades, thousands were slaughtered in the name of Christianity. Or were they? Study proves otherwise.
It was not Christ’s teachings that empowered the Crusades, but some perverted version that evolved out of human weakness and a lust for power. The religious hierarchy had become intertwined with the government. Graft and corruption were the order of the day. Instead of laying their guilt at the feet of Jesus, absolution for sin was bought and paid for by the ruling class.
Their actions were a far cry from Christ’s gospel of forgiveness, peace, love, and turn the other cheek. Before anyone condemns Christianity for “atrocities committed,” they should know the difference between the Gospel of Jesus Christ (as recorded in the Bible), and the sinful nature of man that in times past and present have corrupted his gospel.
Muslims keep reminding us that the message of Islam in their Koran is one of peace and love. And they urge us not to condemn them for the sins of a few radicals (terrorists) who have perverted their religion. Christians deserve this same consideration.
The Bible’s message is one of persuasion, love and forgiveness. Free will is the cornerstone, and faith is the means of entrance. In no way is force of any kind implied. Salvation is based on belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior of all mankind; the redeemer of the world. Through the atonement (taking our sins upon himself and giving his life as a ransom), we can come into his presence through faith. Personal repentance and belief on his name, washes away our sin and inequity. No force or compulsion is involved. It is a gift to us from God. Will you accept the gift?
“I am the way the truth and the light,” Jesus said; “No one comes to the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
“Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matt 11:28-30)
That is an invitation, not a demand. His urging encourages us, invites us to put down our burdens of guilt and shame and receive his gift of love, peace, forgiveness and llife everlasting. What is there to fear?
“Taste and see,” dear friends, “that the Lord is good.”
Article submitted Wednesday, July 28, 2010 & read 622 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Maxi Malone from Cocoa, Fl (41 days 23 hours ago.)
I think many people fear the "have to" of Christianity. I have to go church; have to be nice; have to be perfect, etc. They don't realize all we have to do is believe in God, and personally accept his Son as our Lord and Savior.God bless - MaxiRespond to this comment
» left by Carol Allen Anfinsen from Fort Myers (41 days 12 hours ago.)
You've got it, Maxi! Thanks for your comments.
Respond to this comment
