Food That Says I Love You

<p>I attended a family birthday gathering where the hostess wove the theme of &ldquo;favorite things&rdquo; into the decor, the gifts, and best of all, the food. Because the birthday girl loved steak and salad&mdash;and white chocolate raspberry Bundt cake&mdash;the hostess grilled steak, spun spinach, and ordered that favorite cake. Favorite foods say, &ldquo;I love you.&rdquo;</p> <p>The Bible contains many references to banquets, feasts, and festivals, pairing the physical act of eating with celebrations of God&rsquo;s faithfulness. Feasting was a part of the sacrificial system of worship practiced by the Israelites (see Numbers 28:11&ndash;31), with Passover, the festival of weeks, and new moon feasts held every month. And in Psalm 23, God prepares a table with an abundant meal and cups overflow with mercy and love. Perhaps the most lavish pairing of food and wine ever expressed was when Jesus broke a piece of bread and took a cup of wine, illustrating the gift of His death on a cross for our salvation. He then challenged us to &ldquo;do this in remembrance of me&rdquo; (Luke 22:19).</p> <p>As you partake of food today, take a moment to consider the God who made both mouth and stomach and offers food to you as a language of His love in celebration of His faithfulness. Ours is a God who feasts with the faithful, pairing His perfect provision with our great need, saying, &ldquo;I love you.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>