Layers of Flavor

As I have mentioned in earlier posts, I enjoy watching some cooking competition shows on television. It is fascinating how the chefs can create masterpieces with a limited amount of time and a limited amount of ingredients. Prepared under the same guidelines, the creations of these competing chefs can be so different from each other. It is always interesting to listen to the comments of the judges after they have tasted each dish.

When a dish is extremely good the judges will comment on a mixture of textures and flavors. The judge will then comment on sweetness set off by the savory. There may be remarks about the correct amount of citrus and that little bite at the end. All of these blend together to make a complete and satisfying dish. One line describing this has stood out to me. It is a “layer of flavors” which describes flavors that continue to come out while the bite is being chewed.

Jesus spoke of the Word of God as our spiritual food. “But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 AMP) He, who was the word of God made flesh, (see John 1) also referred to Himself as bread.  “Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).” (John 6:35 AMP) We truly can consider our times of studying the Word as spiritual meals.

The Word of God is not a simple book. Revealing God’s character, the Scriptures are full of insight and satisfying spiritual food. The Holy Spirit presents this food to each of us in a way that is appropriate to us at the moment we receive it. We may read a Scripture that we have read many times before. Amazingly, this time we receive an entirely new understanding of an attribute of God or His creation. The Holy Spirit speaks gently to our hearts to see this Word in a whole new light. The Scripture is the same as every time we have read it before. But this time we taste of one more layer of the delicious flavor of God’s Word.

Another time that we may see a seemingly new truth in a familiar passage can be when we hear a message taught. This can occur in a worship service, watching a teacher by a television or DVD, or even listening to a message as we go about other daily activities. Something in the way that that particular teacher presents a Scripture can spark something within us. This spark enables the Holy Spirit to speak directly to us. This can even happen when listening to a message that we have heard before. Somehow this time we pick up something just a little different that had not been apparent to us when we previously listened to the same words. Another layer of insight is added to the full flavor of understanding the Word.

God is so amazing to speak to each one of us individually. His Word is full of life for each one of us at whatever juncture in life we are currently at. “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 AMP) This living word is always appropriate to meet the needs and satisfy the soul of each individual.

Once we have feasted on a delicious meal, we should share that same delicious food with others. Although the flavor that ignites another person’s taste buds may not be identical to what tantalized ours, the same nourishment is there for all. While in Samaria Jesus expressed this sentiment to his disciples. “But He assured them, I have food (nourishment) to eat of which you know nothing and have no idea. So the disciples said one to another, Has someone brought Him something to eat? Jesus said to them, My food (nourishment) is to do the will (pleasure) of Him Who sent Me and to accomplish and completely finish His work.” (John 4:32-34 AMP) When we have feasted on the word of God we also should share what He has given us. The insight we have received that caused great joy and excitement may not have the same effect on people we are sharing with. But that same Word of truth may ignite another understanding that God has developed specifically for them. The Father knows and feeds each of us individually.

Enjoy a delicious meal of the Word of God today. Savor each bite and appreciate each layer of flavor it contains.