January 30, 2024
Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 9:1-17; 2 Timothy 2:1-26
But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. (1 Corinthians 8:3)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When St Paul writes about food, his concern isn’t about nutritional value or about a diet program or about balancing enough protein to build muscle. Paul’s concern is spiritual. When he talks about eating, especially eating meat, he’s referring to meat that has been offered as a sacrifice to an idol at a temple of a false god. Those temples would sell some of the meat from the animals that were killed in those sacrifices. If someone knew where the meat that a Christian was eating came from, they might think that Christian didn’t have a problem with worshiping a false god.
Idols aren’t anything more than wood or stone. Paul refers to them as “so-called gods.” But what people didn’t know – that these idols aren’t real – could hurt them. Believing in those idols of wood and stone leads people away from faith in Jesus Christ, and God forbids idolatry. It’s possible that someone might think that a Christian eating meat sacrificed to idols would be participating in worshiping that idol and that idolatry isn’t a big deal.
That’s why Paul instructs Christians to be careful not to cause offense by eating meat sacrificed by idols. This is an act of love for fellow Christians. But the meat that you eat doesn’t separate you from God, just like the food that you eat won’t commend you to God. Sinning against your brother by damaging their faith is a big deal.
This continues to be an issue in the Church today, even when the issue is no longer buying meat from the butcher shop of false gods. The music that you listen to, the TV you watch, the video games you play, the fashion sense you have and more are all similar to the meat sacrificed to idols. You are free in Christ, but do not abuse that freedom. Do not harm your fellow Christians with that freedom. Treat them in love, because they are people for whom Jesus died.
When you start to think about the ways that you have caused hurt by not being sensitive to your fellow Christians, remember that God loves you. “If anyone loves God, he is known by God.” The One who knows you doesn’t act against you in anger, but for you in love. Trust that the Lord is good, and He brings His love to you, even as He calls you to love those around you that He loves by being sensitive to their faith. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
As we worship, grant us vision, Till Your love’s revealing light In its height and depth and greatness, Dawns upon our quickened sight, Making known the needs and burdens Your compassion bids us bear, Stirring us to tireless striving, Your abundant life to share. (LSB 838:3)
-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.
Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.
The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.
