Eat What is Set Before You

Jesus gave instructions to His disciples for their ministry of traveling and preaching the gospel. It required them to find a man of peace in a town or city they entered and then stay with that person who would welcome them. He did not want them to become a burden to their hosts, but rather a blessing. So He taught them, "Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you;” (Luk 10:8).

These same instructions apply to us today. When we begin to follow these strict, extreme diets that severely limit what we can and cannot eat we can get into weirdness. Can you imagine if those of us today who travel for the gospel would complain about the food our host places before us? Can you imagine this scenario? A preacher sits down at the table in someone’s home, and says, “I can’t eat any of these, because I’m following a special diet.” And then he tells his host which foods he can eat. This could create a big problem for his host, especially if they are poor or have a large family to feed.

Now when I have stayed in people’s homes, I am often asked by the hostess whether I have any dietary restrictions she should know about. This is very kind. But if they don’t ask, then whatever they set before me, I give thanks and eat it. There have been a couple exceptions to this, when I am visiting someone and they put out some desserts that I cannot eat. I may graciously decline for health reasons. But if I am staying there and they are feeding me a meal, then I cannot reject the meal they have prepared. I’m just grateful they have received me with such love and prepared some food for me to eat.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Most other Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, unless otherwise noted.

Author's note: This post is part of a series.  If you enjoyed it, you may also like the other posts in this blog available through the links in the side bar. You may also access my blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.