“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.
