No Water Until He's Dead

~Acts 23.12-14, 16, 20, 22

The next morning a group . . . bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. There were more than forty of them in the conspiracy. They went to the leading priests and elders and told them, “We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. ” But Paul’s nephew—his sister’s son—heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul [who sends him to the commander]. Paul’s nephew told him, “Some Jews are going to ask you to bring Paul before the high council . . . . They have vowed not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him.” . . . . “Don’t let anyone know you told me this,” the commander warned the young man.

In II Corinthians 8 and 9 and in Romans 15 we learn that Paul is collecting an offering from the new outlying churches for the central church in Jerusalem. In Acts 20 and 21 we see him determined to take this gift to Jerusalem himself, despite great personal risk. Some Jewish radicals in Jerusalem are so hostile to Paul's message they vow not to eat or drink until they have killed him. As the human body can only go a few days without water, that's a serious intent. Do you suppose any of these guys actually died after Paul was safely whisked away under guard of Roman soldiers?

Eat for God's Glory

~I Corinthians 10:3-5, 6-7, 15-22, 25-31

~25-26 So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

~31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

In this chapter Paul covers several food-related topics (see labels), but there is nothing specific about a particular food. I print only the key verses 25-26 and 31.

Another interesting point here is the connection between idols and demons. Surely it's possible to make an idol of food. Be careful, Ruthie!

the cup of suffering

~Mark 14.36 “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

~Matthew 26.39, 42 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.”

~Luke 22.41-46 He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him.

I've been surprised to note how many times Jesus uses food or eating to make pictures of the kingdom. Often, as in references to feasting, these show blessing. This time it depicts suffering. Was he thinking of the Passover wine he'd just shared with the disciples? Or maybe bitter water like at Marah in Exodus 15?

More than we need

~Luke 16.19-24 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’"

An interesting point here is how abundant and varied is our food supply far more so than we would need to live. The rich man here is eating luxury items and tasty delights, but even his scraps could possibly have saved poor Lazarus. I see the fact that God has given us far more than just bread and water as testimony of his delight in providing a rich environment for us. Watermelon, sweet corn, fennel, cheese, beef, and wine are just a few of his goodies. And water.

Water is absolutely necessary for physical life and fills other functions like comfort, relief, and even fun.

Water II

~John 7.37-39 On the final and climactic day of the Feast, Jesus took his stand. He cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says." (He said this in regard to the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were about to receive. The Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.)

Overflowing water--a beautiful picture. If you're thirsty, go for the water.

Water

~Mark 9.41 If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.

The Message version says: Why, anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.

Water: drink it; give it freely.

A cup of water

~Matthew 10.42 And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.

Water. Absolutely necessary for human life. Share it freely.