Which Feast is Which? - The Prepared Table: Day 4
Song of Praise: Doxology
Scriptures: Colossians 2:16-17, Mark 14:22-25, Revelation 19:6-9
Devotianal:
For the sake of clarity and simplification, we are going to categorize the four types of feasts we will be discussing. The first that we will be referring to is an Earthly type of feasting. This type of feast is a celebratory act that both Christians and pagan unbelievers can partake in. A great example of an Earthly feast would be Thanksgiving dinner, or, perhaps a wedding rehearsal or reception. There doesn't need to be a highly spiritual reason behind this type of feast, though, there is always a reason for it's observance. Christians and unbelievers should celebrate Earthly feasts differently. Colossians tells us that the substance of food, wine, and feasting belongs to Christ. Because Christ is the substance, the Christian should have a deeper enjoyment even in Earthly feasting.
The second feast we will distinguish is called a Sacramental feast. This type of feast is reserved solely for God’s covenanted people. It is meant to be served by the Minister of the church, during the weekly, corporate, Church gathering. You may be more familiar with it being called “The Lord’s Supper”. This feast was instituted by Jesus Himself, right before he was led to His crucifixion. It is through this feast that God, by the ministry of the Holy Spirit, nourishes and refreshes His people; He sacramentally communicates grace to His people during this holy meal.
Thirdly, we must mention the feast of God's Word. He has given this feast to His people that we may know Him and His will.
"And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" Deuteronomy 8:3.
This feast is given for our spiritual strength and fortification. Man cannot live by bread alone. Thankfully, the Word of God is a feast, providing us with all we need for life and godliness. John 1:14 tells us that Jesus is the very Word of God made flesh. Consuming God's written Word is actually a feast resulting in unification between the bride of Christ (the church) and God. In this feast, our wills, and hearts are conformed to Christ's.
We will conclude our explanation of the types of feasting by discussing the Eternal feast. This feast is a future feast. It will be celebrated after Christ’s Kingdom is fully established, and He receives unto Himself His redeemed Bride. This feast is also known as “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb”. We, the Church, having made ourselves ready for a marvelous banquet, will be clothed in good works, and presented to King Jesus. This feast and union is an eternal one. Because of Jesus’ sacrificial redemption, fellowship between Christ and His bride will never be hindered.
The distinctions between the types of feasting is important. Not every person is invited to attend every feast. Some feasts are reserved solely for those that belong to God's family. The unbeliever is not permitted to take communion, nor will they be invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. The Earthly feasts are meant to woo the unbeliever, causing them to long for the greater feasts. Proper Earthly feasting glorifies God and may be evangelistic. Christian feasting should be winsome. The pagan unbeliever ought to see Christian feasting and desire further inclusion into the fellowship of the feast. May your Earthly feasting do just that, point the sin weary world toward the Restorer of all creation, toward the Lord of the feast, Jesus.
Table Talk Questions:
How many types of feasting did we mention?
Can an unbeliever partake in every type of feast?
What is the desired outcome of Christian feasting?
Benediction
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Today's Meal
Gram's meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Corn, & Stuffed Brownies
Recipes:
Gram's Meatloaf
Prep and Cook time: about 1 ½ hours
Serves 6-8
Meat loaf:
2 pounds good grade Hamburger
½ - ¾ Green Bell Pepper cut into small pieces
2 Eggs
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 medium Onion, minced
4 slices of Bread, pinched into small pieces
½ cup of Milk
½ tsp Garlic powder
¼ cup ketchup
Tin foil
Topping:
⅓ cup of Ketchup
4-5 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar
Instructions:
Mix and set aside for meatloaf.
Meatloaf:
Preheat oven to 375 F
Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Place in Bread pan and cover with tin foil.
Bake at 375 F for about 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes.
Remove tin foil and drain grease.
Return meatloaf to oven and cook for 20 minutes.
Remove meatloaf after 20 minutes and add topping.
Cook meatloaf for additional 15 minutes or until done.
Stuffed Brownies
Prep and Cook Time: about an hour
Serves: 12+
2 boxes of brownie mix
1 bag chocolate chips
1 bag reese's peanut butter cups
4 Tablespoons butter
1 Cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions:
Spray 9x13 with cooking spray, set aside.
Open and line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with enough reese's peanut butter cups to cover the bottom.
Set to the side.
Prepare the brownie mix as shown on box.
Pour half of the brownie mix evenly across the bottom of the prepared, reese lined pan.
Carefully place a second row of peanut butter cups on the top of the brownie mix.
Pour remaining brownie mix on top of the second layer, spreading it evenly over the candy.
Bake according to the box instructions.
While the brownies are still cooking, double boil chocolate chips, and keep melted for brownies.
Once brownies are done and still hot, pour melted chocolate over the top, and sprinkle with chopped peanuts, if desired.
Serve warm or cool.