Eat and Drink Safely

And then He (Jesus) told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed." Mark 16:15-18 

Eat or drink something poisonous, it won’t hurt you. That is God’s…Jesus’ promise. Miraculous signs—including food safety. We pray before we eat…that God would bless the food. Bless…purify it. In Old Testament times prophets were also called upon to bless the food.

As they were climbing the hill to the town, they met some young women coming out to draw water. So Saul and his servant asked, "Is the seer here today?" "Yes," they replied. "Stay right on this road. He is at the town gates. He has just arrived to take part in a public sacrifice up at the place of worship. Hurry and catch him before he goes up there to eat. The guests won't begin eating until he arrives to bless the food."  Samuel 9:11-13.

That “seer” was the prophet Samuel. It seems that already they had the custom of blessing the food. The Hebrew people have the practice of blessing their food before and after their meal recognizing that everything comes from God. Before the meal…

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him. Psalm 24:1.

They bless each type of food…bread, fruit, vegetables, wine…and other foods. The Lord is also blessed. After the meal a blessing is offered in keeping with this scripture.

When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the LORD your God for the good land He has given you. Deuteronomy 8:10.

Our blessing custom reminds us the food comes from God and is pure…as He promised. It is an answer to the great prayer that Jesus taught His disciples. The Lord’s Prayer.

Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.'] Matthew 6:9-13 NASB.

Some people think that the “food” refers to spiritual food…as well as daily physical food. I agree. Spiritual food—God’s truths—are as important to us as the physical food that God so generously provides. Do you give Thanks to God for the pure and nutritional food that He provides for you?

Prayer ~ Thank You, Jesus, for teaching Your disciples…and us…to pray—especially to give thanks for our food, purifying it for Your use in our bodies.

Daily Bible Reading:  2 Chronicles 19-23

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Food safety is so very important in the summer to keep bacteria from growing and contaminating your foods. You’ve probably heard the essential ones:

·         Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.

·         Wash your hands and keep your preparation surfaces clean, too.

·         Don’t allow cross-contamination between raw meats and other raw foods.

·         Use a thermometer and cook to the right temperature.

·         Refrigerate unused foods in one (if over 90 degrees outside) or two hours after beginning to serve the food.

·         Check web sites like the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for more information. foodsafety.gov

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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