Tasty Tuesday

“Taste and see that the LORD is good

Oh the joys of those who take refuge in Him.”

Psalm 34:8

“Taste and see. There are some things, especially in the depths of religious life, which can only be understood by being experienced and which are incapable of being adequately embodied in words.

Thomas Binney Sermon 1869

Tasty physical and spiritual food were blended together and served beautifully last Wednesday at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church. Women from the congregation offered a delicious array of salads and delectable morsels. While the food was scrumptious, it was not the best part of the luncheon. It was what was to follow the meal.

Rev. Janice Stamper began to share her testimony of serving in small congregations in Alaska. Listening to her life as a pastor was mesmerizing. I could have listened to her speak all afternoon. She painted a vivid picture of the people, the geography, their languages, and their food.

Given the call to serve, she said yes. She served across Alaska and in various capacities. One time Rev. Stamper served as Presbyterian Pastor on St. Lawrence Island. She ate whale, seal, and walrus. While, this information was thought provoking it was not the best part of her testimony.

It was how people responded to God’s word. Rev. Stamper shared one example in sharing about God’s love as recorded in John 3:16. This familiar text took on new meaning, as I imagined what this must have been like to hear this for the first time, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Or what it must have been like to have a Bible in your own language.   The Wycliffe Bible Translators has translated the New Testament for one group of the indigenous people in Alaska.

We were able to taste and experience a bit of her journey.  When we experience the goodness of God and hear His word, it is indeed good.