"TANTALIZING THE TASTEBUDS"

Ethelda Bartlett

It is customary when arriving at someone's home, especially after travelling for some distance, to hear the words "When did you eat last?" Frequently we will reply that we had some fast-food several hours ago, or perhaps were snacking along the way. We all agree that there is nothing like a home-cooked meal. There is no limit to the value of things that have taken time and effort to produce or to be sought out. Add to that the loving care of preparation and serving and you go away full and satisfied.

We are on a journey. We desperately need nourishment. Our Heavenly Father has set a bountiful table, and invited us to "come and dine." He sacrificed everything He had in order to make this offer available. It is the "All you can eat Word Buffet."

There are several things that affect our growth and well being, our attitude being of great importance. We need to approach the Word with reverent humility and openness of mind, constantly aware that it is not just another book. Our hunger should match the eagerness of a child approaching an ice-cream shop. We should pursue maturity, it is children who for lack of knowledge, would rather play than eat, would sooner be fed than take the effort to pick up the spoon themselves.

We need to become "Spiritual Connoisseurs" of fine dining. Taste and see the Lord is Good!

Acquire expertise in rightly dividing the Word, 11Timothy 2:15.

We soon come to the knowledge that there is nothing we cannot have if we are willing to "go the distance." We need to walk it out like Abraham. The heights and depths require diligence, faithfulness, and commitment. The rewards are breath taking.

This brings us to a word called "understanding." I would like to dissect it.not grammatically, but simply take it apart! We are standing, the Word commands us to do so. It follows there is something under us. Ultimately no matter what structure you are in on this planet, the foundation of it is the earth. This earth has a foundation.

Psalms 102:25 "the foundation of the earth was laid."

Hebrews 11:3 "worlds were framed by the word"

John 1:14 "the word was made flesh"

1 Corinthians 3:11 "Jesus Christ the only foundation."

As believers we are instructed to be unmovable in our foundational understanding that is needed to withstand. Ephesians 6:14.

Once we have accepted Christ as our foundation, we have an automatic hunger and desire for spiritual food. As the sight and smell of freshly-baked bread arouses our senses in the natural, what we see and hear activates our spiritual taste buds similarly. The things we read, the conversations we have, and the various ministries of the body of Christ. It is our responsibility to place ourselves in situations that create spiritual hunger in our individual lives. Out of the abundance of our hearts we will then be able to encourage others. The natural body ministers to its needs naturally. It should be an involuntary action or "second nature" for us to edify and bless one another.

Lets look at this foundation better known as "understanding." We need to know what we are building on. It will create confidence. In the Tabernacle in the wilderness, when Moses placed the bread or symbolic word there, he also put an enhancement called a candlestick. He lit the lamps so the bread could be seen. We can have understanding, We can also have the eyes of our understanding enlightened Ephesians 1:18, so we can know. This is digging deeper and finding the priceless treasures.

I understand my car has a motor.  If I choose I can study and learn exactly how it works. That information is available to me, however I am not interested. My "mechanical knowledge" taste buds have not been stimulated, and there is no desire on my part for this understanding. What would it take to cause me to have an invested interest in a particular subject?

If my Father were a race car driver, and I heard a great deal about the glories of the race, and the incredible "rush" of winning -- if I heard about the power of the engine -- I would no doubt get into the spirit of it. If I had knowledge of the dangers involved, and the reason why things have to be maintained in order to run perfectly. If I understood that lives were depending on these things, then along with the spirit, the information could whet my appetite for greater revelation.

To excel in spiritual things, we require a working knowledge of foundational truth.

The Word of God is not disjointed; it flows in one continual revelation of Jesus Christ. We can progress from looking into the Tabernacle of Moses to peeking through that open door in Revelation chapter 4 and see the same thing. Verse 5 says there were seven lamps lit before the throne. To refresh our minds, Exodus 25:30 tells us there was continual bread on a table and a seven-way lamp that never went out. Exodus 27:20. Revelation 4:2 tells us the eternal word was on the throne in front of which burned seven lamps (perfect light.)

Read on! We are not left with partial information! The seven lamps are the seven spirits of God.

In Revelation 5:6, there is only one who is worthy, the lamb, and we now see our foundation standing! 2Timothy 2:19. The foundation of God stands sure. Not only that but our foundation is the true light with perfect vision, having all power and completeness.

To understand the greatness of what we have to build on, we have to see what the seven spirits of God are. The building is part of the foundation. We are in Him. We are one. Isaiah 11:2 gives us a list of the seven spirits. Jesus Christ our foundation has a perfect spirit consisting of these seven, the Lord, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear. We are complete in Him. It is a package deal. The fear or respect of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9:10. Christ is our power and wisdom 1Corinthians 1:24. This comprises the quality of our foundation and building materials. The highest degree of excellence is offered to us. We have inherent right to supreme materials and workmanship. As sons of God and joint heirs with Christ, all that we need is at our disposal. Ephesians 2:20-22. We fit together, we grow, and this building is alive.

Peter gives us direction in the ultimate use of the equipment, assuring us of a building that will pass any inspection. It will be stable and never fall, standing through every storm. The structure that we have erected by hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and applying ourselves to the Word, will minister to others and will secure our position in the "Everlasting Kingdom." 1Peter1: 2-11.

Here then is our take-home assignment! There is a spirit of understanding. Get it!

Our commission is to:

Love with understanding Mark12: 33

Sing with understanding Psalms 47:7

Meditate with understanding Psalms 49:3

Pray with understanding 1Corinthians 14:15

We are not called to wander aimlessly, but to walk in the Spirit with understanding. What a companion! So, when did you eat last?