Manger, Baby.

(Photo of cattle taken by me on December 25, 2012. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, Rockefeller State Park Preserve)

While hiking with my sister-in-law on Christmas Day, we happened to reach the Stone Barns Center at feeding time. As the feeding troughs were filled with hay and oats, I could not help but think of the Christmas story. How appropriate that Mary laid Jesus in a manger (see Luke 2:7, 2:12, & 2:16). What has He said? I am that bread of life (John 6:48). Yes. Jesus is here to feed us.

Are you hungry for Him?

The cows in the above photo have provided a sort of allegory regarding our approach to the Word of God.

• Some of us are regularly at church, the place of spiritual feeding, but we won't accept a single bite of food.
• Some of us are grazing on the periphery, content with skimming the surface of spiritual truths.
• Some of us are digging deep, studying Scripture, seeking to uncover whatever hidden treasures may lie deep within the word of God.

  

Towards the end of this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam exhorted us to be sure that we are in right standing with God.

• Do we love Him intimately?
• Do we long for His Presence?
• Do we relinquish all that stands in opposition to Him?
• Do we readily and eagerly embrace the study of His word?

Our pastor read Hebrews chapter 2, and I would encourage all of us to re-read it today. At the heart of the appeal is an impassioned plea from the writer: Don't drop the truths you have heard.

Bronx Bethany, for nearly fifty years now, has offered a banqueting table where we can experience the love of God, the truth of God, and the power of God, that we might joyfully do the will of God. Will you feed on His word today, forever?

For God's sake, and for your own salvation, Jesus has set forth a luxurious feast. Eat.