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“Taste and See That the Lord is Good”
Categories: Author: David Carrozza, Elder Articles
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalms 34:8
“As we journey through life, with its struggles and strife…” as the song goes, we must keep an awareness of many things as citizens in God’s kingdom. Here’s just a few for thought today.
Walk worthy…of the calling to which you were called.” Ephesians 4:1 NKJV. Some translations render this “to the manner of life to which you were called.”
Walk circumspectly…”not as fools but as wise” Ephesians 5:15 NKJV. Meaning, walk by “looking around”, being aware of people, surroundings, needs and opportunities.
Walk in love…”as Christ has loved us.” Ephesians 5:2.
Peter quotes, paraphrases this resonant Psalm of David in 1 Peter 2 “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [a]thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 1 Peter 2:1-3
Our walk is not only righteous, worthy, noble and holy, it is beautiful and good. At least IT SHOULD BE!
I think Peter continues, elaborates, drills down and states the reason for a worthy, good, beautiful walk in the same chapter verses 12 and 15. “2 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. [2:12] and “15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” [2:15]
As we “go and make disciples” often we draw on the parable of the Sower, responsible for planting the seeds of the gospel, not for the soil or the fruit and harvest. I think there is an equally valid paradigm or metaphor for our daily walk, bearing good fruit that is beautiful and gives the world, those whom we interact with daily or on any occasion to actually see, experience and “taste” the goodness of God through His people.
This receives support from another powerful analogy given on the “Mount”, you are the light of the world, the salt of the earth.”
There is a well-known quote often attributed to Francis of Assisi, "Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words."
We have countless interactions with people every day. Each one combined with the words exchanged has the potential to leave a “taste” of God’s, goodness, justice and mercy. Maybe, just maybe, this will as Peter reminds his audience and us, cause someone to ask “a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 1 Peter 2:15-16
