Eat Whatever Is Set Before You
February 8, 2022
I remember growing up hearing the phrase, “Eat whatever is set before you.” I cannot remember if my parents ever said it to me but we were expected to not waste food. Generally speaking, we tended to be good eaters and this was not a problem for us. However, this kind of statement is sometimes made in families when going to a friend’s house, an extended family member’s house or even another country. The intention is to not offend the host by rejecting that which he/she has provided.
It is interesting in that I could see this being one of those verses that would have a strong possibility of being quoted out of context, quite literally for the purpose of applying it to the situation mentioned in the previous paragraph. It is intriguing that when we read the Bible, we often focus in on statements that could be used for our own benefit or purposes. Yet, the Bible was provided to us as a record of God’s activity in history with creation and specifically with His people. It demonstrates His character, teaches His law and shines forth His salvation. In the midst of it, we do find guidance for life, interpersonal relationships and how we are to approach God. Nothing in His word should be appropriated for our use, but we do it all the time.
Therefore, the verse above – Ezekiel 3:1, in proper context informs the reader that the prophet, Ezekiel, had the responsibility of consuming the scroll which was being given to him from God. In eating this scroll, he would have the words in him which would be necessary for him to speak to the people of Israel . . words which the people would not easily hear, nor would they be quick to respond. Still, the words which would fill him from the scroll were the words of God for His people.
While I made the case that we should not take scripture out of context for our own purposes, I might bring the lesson from the first paragraph back into play. If the intention of “eating whatever is set before us” is for the purpose of not offending the host, then would it not be appropriate to say that Ezekiel was to eat what was before him so as not to offend the divine Creator and Sovereign God who had instructed Ezekiel to eat? Now, if that is indeed the case, I then must wonder at a new thought . . . the Bible has been divinely inspired, kept, and propagated over the pages of history. It is indeed a book by God, about God for our consumption (God’s word is more necessary than our daily bread). If this is the case, should we not also be consuming what is set before us so as not to offend the One who has invited us into His home and offered to adopt us as His children? Are you offending or consuming?
