eating food offered to idols

Am reading the NT and re-encountered the part about eating foods offered to idols ...

• Knowledge leads to self-importance whereas love strengthens the church
• That not all believers know that there is one Father and one Jesus and therefore they continue to think that idols are real
• As such they, for example, will see certain foods that were associated with these idols (before becoming believers) as still attached to their worship
• Thus if they see anyone eating these foods it will create confusion: "How can you eat that, you are a believer, and now you are worshiping this false god"
• This confusion may then lead the new believer to eat the food they believe is wrong and therefore cause them to break their own conscience

So Paul says, it is better to forever more not eat that food rather than cause that confusion in them

NOW ... my musing is how this relates to today ... specifically:

• That not all believers know that since Jesus' death and resurrection there is no need to go to the mountain altars or city temples to worship because as he resides in us and we in him, we are free to worship anywhere anytime in truth and spirit.
• Indeed many believers continue to believe that attending a specific building is the only place, or brings validity to worship
• Hence, if they become aware that you are not attending a building or belong to a specific group it will create confusion: "How can you worship that way?" "If you are a believer, how can you claim authority or protection?" etc.
• For these believers, the confusion they feel could result in feeling they are being asked to do something they believe is wrong and therefore cause them to break their own conscience if they left their regular place of worship

The point I end my musings (at least in writing) is that I do not how to reconcile the final part ... suggestions please

So Paul says, it is better to forever more not eat that food rather than cause that confusion in them...

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whose revelation?

It is essential we always start with God and end with him.  But all too often, people, myself included are so enthusiastic that we start acting before we have sought him.

What does this mean?  Basically, God was at work before we arrived and will still be even once we have left.  Also, it his his will, his heart, his ways, his character, etc that we need to pursue and discover agreement to.  Easy?  Not always.  We are so used to living in ways that are familiar, safe, and make sense, that we forget to start with him.  Often we only do this after we have started acting and then seek him to confirm or justify what we are doing.  I know I have and still do.

revelation           ...the act of revealing or making something known
interpretation    ...the act of explaining something
application         ...to bring into action

So, while we cannot afford to withdraw into endless prayer and contemplation, we must shift our gaze, and change our approach to him.

God is always making himself known (revelation) ... so seek ... knock ... look ... listen

He is never hidden

The question is then since God is always revealing himself, stand back and allow Him to explain himself.  I am learning, and yes I am a slow learner, to ask him questions like "why", or "what is your heart" etc.  Doing so helps bring light to the world around me and in me

As a result, acting often becomes simple.  Easy?  Didn't say that.  But simple, clear... copy him or don't.  Get it perfect?  Maybe...

Let us give it a go.

Let us ask him to reveal himself.  Either in a part of his written word.  In a part of your walk with him in which we struggle.  Or from a blank slate, that is, be open to anything.  Then ask him to explain.

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identifying a shepherd

ezekiel 34

To prevent people scattering, to keep them from falling prey to wild animals, God asks his shepherds to…

• Feed his people
• Take care of the weak
• Tend the sick and injured
• Look for those who have wandered away and are lost
• Guide people with gentleness and love

To ignore this is to become God’s enemy, he will hold you responsible for what happens to people.  He will…

• Take away your right to feed people
• Destroy those who are fat and powerful by feeding feed you justice!
• Stop you from feeding yourself

And, rather than relying on the shepherds, he will take it upon himself to …

• Search and find his people
• Rescue his flock from both the wilderness and failed shepherds
• Return them back home to the ‘promised land’ from among the nations
• Tend his people and give them a place to rest in peace
• Bandage the injured and strengthen the weak

overview

In short, when God’s shepherds don't do their appointed tasks, God promised to personally do what he had asked of them.  This was fulfilled by Jesus being sent to do what Israel should have done, but didn't.  Unfortunately today, this failure continues.  The ‘church’ being the new ‘Israel’ is not shepherding God’s people.

Who are God’s people?  Anyone.  Whether we acknowledge him as Lord or remain estranged.

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Because the same expectations and consequences of being a shepherd (e.g. discipling) exist today as they always have,  God asks us:

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Are the pastor and leaders of your church personally doing these things themselves?  Are you (Revelations 1:4-6)?

Is it enough to speak about it, preach a sunday message/sermon, pray about it, delegate to others?  Or do we need to be involved in the day to day lives of people?

How does God consider those who don't do as he has asked?  He will consider them his enemy and will remove their authority, give them justice, and humble them in every aspect of their lives.  Yes, pastors, priests, elders, deacons, anyone he has asked to be his shepherds.  Does this also mean you (Revelations 1:4-6)?

conclusion

God wants to prevent people from scattering, to bring them home, and keep them from falling prey to anything that may destroy them.  He sends shepherds to help.  Are you helping?

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