A Match Made Where?

Last weekend -- as we were visiting our oldest son and his family in Oregon -- he bought a bag of chips he wanted me to try. It was a brand of chips he liked, however the particular flavor he wanted me to taste was one he had once picked up by accident. I was immediately struck not only by the flavor mentioned on the bag, but also by the statement regarding the combination. The flavor was “Cheddar Beer” and the statement below this large print was “A Match Made In Heaven.” Now, you see why it caught my attention. I understand that any alcohol from the “beer” would have been cooked out in the process of making the chips and cheddar is one of my favorite cheeses. However, after trying one chip I immediately declared it was definitely not a HEAVENLY taste.

Oh, the claims of man! So many things that are put together and declared to be HEAVENLY that in reality are not. Such is the deception of the devil with regard to various things in life. If he can get us to take a taste, it is easier to convince us that something that tastes good (or brings pleasure) couldn’t possibly be bad for us. It is possible to even become convinced God is pleased with it since therein we might find some enjoyment.

In Isaiah we read…
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” ( Isaiah 5:20 ESV)

Are we learning to discern the taste of what truly is HEAVENLY from that which is really of this world? As we mature, those distinctions become easier to discern. (note Hebrews 5:14) Let us be careful we do not buy into the hype and propaganda of the devil and this world.

The Hebrew writer warned…
“(4) For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, who have TASTED THE HEAVENLY GIFT, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, (5) and have TASTED THE GOODNESS OF THE WORD OF GOD and the powers of the age to come, (6) if they then fall away, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.” ( Hebrews 6:4-6 ESV)

Having tasted the HEAVENLY gift and the goodness of God’s Word, let the craving remain there. May we turn from the husks of the world and maintain a taste for the real food of HEAVEN; Jesus -- the “true bread of heaven” ( John 6:32) and “bread of life” ( John 6:35) -- and all that is in association with Him. Only then will we be properly nourished and sustained for now and eternity.

Have a great day MAINTAINING A TASTE FOR THE REAL THING!
Carl

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