Famine is a regular occurrence throughout the Bible. Besides the story in today’s Scripture, can you think of other stories that involved food shortages? What are some causes of famine? What options did people have during the famine? How did people suffer? Where are famines today? In today’s Scripture, God uses Joseph to prepare for the famine and feed people. Who is God using today to feed people? How could God use you?
Category: 2013 – Fasting For Feasting
Day 30 – March 19
In an act of anger and revenge for a wrong committed against him, Samson responds by destroying the Philistine’s wheat crop, vineyards and olive groves. Samson believed that this act of eco-terrorism would “really harm them.” Conflict and hunger go hand in hand as food sources often are either destroyed or confiscated. Where have you seen examples of this today? Is there anything Christians can do? If so, what?
Proverbs 25:21 says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat.” The apostle Paul quotes this verse after specifically saying, “Do not take revenge.” (Romans 12:19-21) Which tactic are you more likely to take with an enemy–giving food or taking it away? Why? Which tactic is more likely to be part of our nation’s foreign policy?
Since 1962, the US has maintained a near total embargo against Cuba in an attempt to destabilize Fidel Castro’s communist government–including a ban on the sale of food. Food embargoes were employed by Allied Powers in World War I against Germany. What do you think of government policy that withholds food as a means to exert pressure on or manipulate others’ behavior?
Day 29 – March 18
What injustices do you observe in the story of Naboth’s vineyard? Why was Naboth so protective of his vineyard? Where do you observe people using their power to take food or income away from people who have little to begin with? What is God’s response to food injustice caused by those with power?
In the US, the Supreme Court has ruled that governments have the right to take private property through legal means and with “fair compensation” for civic improvement. These laws are called “eminent domain.” For example, the city of Chicago has used “eminent domain” laws to force people from their homes for the expansion of O’Hare airport. Farmland has also been taken through these legal mechanisms to build highways, construct prisons, etc. What similarities and differences do you see between the story of Naboth’s vineyard and eminent domain laws?
Day 28 – March 16-17
The first Church Council was convened to decide whether Gentiles had to obey the Law of Moses to be Christians. The final decision was “no.” Gentiles did not have to become circumcised nor follow the Law. However, some restrictions were placed on the Gentile believers around food. Why do you think they were not permitted to eat food sacrificed to idols, blood or meat from strangled animals? Was it for their good health or was it to calm the Jews who would have been especially offended by these food habits? When has food become a source of controversy in your experience? When have you limited your “freedom” to eat for the sake of not offending others? Do you think there should be any restrictions on food Christians eat? If so, which foods? And why?
Day 27 – March 15
In a special act of dedication to God, some people would take a vow to abstain from grapes and grape products for a certain period of time (kind of like a Lenten fast). Long-haired Samson is an example of someone who was a Nazirite. How has your Lenten participation enabled you to be more “consecrated for the Lord”? Do you think you will “go back to normal” after Lent is over? How do you expect to be different–especially in relationship to food?
Day 26 – March 14
In Jesus’ day, the Jews were very concerned about keeping kosher laws (eating only clean food, washing hands ceremonially before meals, etc). What dangers does Jesus reveal about an over-emphasis on diet? What would help you to remember that “what comes out of your mouth” is of greater importance than “what goes in”? How would you respond to someone who read this passage and said, “See, even Jesus said it doesn’t matter what you eat”?
Paul makes a statement in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “You say, “I am allowed to do anything” but not everything is good for you.” How does this apply to your diet and “what goes into your mouth.”
Day 25 – March 13
In Paul’s day, it was hard to know where your food came from–especially the meat. Much of the meat sold in the market had been used in pagan temple sacrifices and some Christians felt that eating the meat was the equivalent of worshiping the pagan god. For these people, the only logical action was to abstain from meat. Other Christians didn’t have a problem with eating meat (including Paul who practiced a ‘don’t ask’ policy). Can you think of a modern day example of how food issues have divided Christians? Have you ever “passed judgment” on someone because of their diet? How could you express love toward someone who believed your diet was “unspiritual”? What is a key verse that would help you when a food controversy arises?
Day 24 – March 12
Why do you think John’s diet is included in his bio? While unusual to us, locust was permitted in the Law along with other hopping insects. (See Leviticus 11:20-23) John was called “demon possessed” because of his lifestyle. Jesus was called a “glutton and a drunk” because of his. What labels with negative connotations have you given people for what they eat or don’t eat? Why do you think food and eating companions were such a stumbling block for Jesus’ listeners? Has someone’s diet been a stumbling block for you? How?
The latest label is “foodie”. The name connotes a person who enjoys eating quality food. Another recent label is “locavore”–meaning a person who eats food that is grown locally. What are some other labels? How would someone label you? How would you label yourself? What does your label say about your relationship to food?
Day 23 – March 11
What food dishes do you think might have been a part of the “king’s table”? Why would eating it have “defiled” Daniel and his friends? Do you think their appearance and health at the end of the 10-day test were due to diet, divine intervention or both? Explain. Do you think their skills in learning were the result of diet, divine intervention or both? Explain. What do you think people would say to you if you only ate vegetables and drank water? Think of a time you ate food that ended up making you feel worse rather than better? Did you stop eating that food? Why or why not?
Day 22 – March 9-10
The church at Corinth incorporated potluck meals into their celebration of the Eucharist (Lord’s Supper). However, their shared meal ended up reflecting their class divisions rather than unity within the body of Christ. Some were gluttonous while others went away hungry. How might our church address food inequity within our own congregation? When we plan a meal, how could we ensure that everyone gets enough?
Tongue on Fire 