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However, as well as the examples we have adduced from the Gospels there are also the statements of Paul in his epistles. In 1 Timothy 4: 3-5 we have: "Meats, which God has created for receiving with thanksgiving for them who are faithful and know the truth. For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing [is] to be rejected, being received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by God's word and freely addressing [him]". It is to be noted that meats are spoken of here and not just loaves of bread, wine and fishes as in the previous examples given. Put another way, it cannot with any justification be said that thanksgiving should be limited to any particular kinds of food. Further, the food being sanctified by God's word does not mean that it is sanctified by reading a portion of Scripture at the same time as giving thanks for the food as some would have it, however profitable that might be in itself. It is no doubt a reference to Genesis 9: 3 where God says: "Every moving thing that liveth shall be food for you: as the green herb I give you everything". This passage gives us authority for eating all meats and shows at the same time that vegetarianism is wrong. |
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Paul also speaks of the food that we give thanks for in Romans 14:6. He also speaks of it in 1 Corinthians 10:30. In this latter passage he says: "partake with thanksgiving", thus indicating that the thanksgiving was specifically connected with the eating of the food and not just the general idea that we are to be thankful for our food. We are also told that Paul gave thanks to God on the ship in Acts 27: 34-36). This was clearly an ordinary meal and not something done at a memorial service in a Christian Assembly. |
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It may be asked: "When did the practice of giving thanks before eating start"? We do not know. It may be said to have been set on by Christ as a usual practice. However, it appears that the thought of blessing a meal goes back at least to Samuel. Thus we have: "As soon as ye come into the city; ye shall straightway find him (the man of God), before he goes up to the high place to eat; for the people eat not until he has come, because he blesses the sacrifice; afterwards they eat that are invited" (1 Samuel 9:13). |
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Eating in Scripture is treated as something of prime importance to our natural life. It is said: “But having sustenance and covering, we will be content with these" (1 Timothy 6:8). Note that sustenance (food) is put first. In what is called the Lord's prayer the words " give us to-day our needed bread" are included (Matthew 6:11). See also James 2:15/16. Even the young lions are said to seek their food from God (Psalm 104: 21). Again, it is said: "Who provideth for the raven his food, when his young ones cry unto God" (Job 38:41). It will be seen from these passages and no doubt others that food for mankind and animals is a peculiar provision of God; hence specific thanksgiving for it is appropriate. |
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A meal has something of the character of a peace offering. It is an opportunity to bring God into our lives. We are not just eating as an animal eats - merely to satisfy hunger. Fellowship is in a way connected with it, though not on the same level as the Lord's supper. Paul clearly distinguishes the two (1 Corinthians 11:33/34). Paul states that if the manner of life of one called brother is such that he is not fit for Christians to mix with, then that one should not even be eaten with (1 Corinthians 5:11). This would appear to refer to all eating and not just the Lord's supper. The fact that the Pharisees murmured against Christ's disciples for eating and drinking with taxgatherers and sinners at least shows that they attached some special significance to a communal meal (Luke 5:30). |
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Christ indicated that it was a desirable thing for anyone to lie down at table with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of the heavens (Matthew 8:11). We should not therefore dismiss eating together as something of no significance, but make it an opportunity for communion with God, that is, as Paul says: "freely addressing Him" (1 Timothy 4:5). Lastly, Christ speaks of drinking wine in the kingdom of his Father with his disciples (Matthew 26:29). It was something for them to look forward to. |
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