False Advertising

TITLE: False Advertising
DATE: June 24, 2019
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 10:31 – ESV--  So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

That’s the claim which ‘Sin City’ has been making about itself for a goodly number of years. It’s a claim which they take seriously in the gambling community which tries to do everything glitzier, gaudier, and more garishly than anywhere else.  
Oh, I should tell you, the claim isn’t true. Not anymore

Some time ago the faithful folks from the Amish communities around Millersburg, Ohio took something from Vegas. If that line doesn’t make you curious, nothing ever will.. Now, lest you imagine rows of bearded men and bonneted women standing before the slot machines and breaking the bank at the Blackjack table,, let me explain.

I have to begin by telling you the record for the world’s biggest buffet, a buffet of 510 dishes, is held by the city of Las Vegas. Maybe I should say “was held by the city of Las Vegas.”  On Saturday the Amish, with the help of area restaurants, bakeries and home cooks held a buffet of 600 dishes and shattered the record which was set last year at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Once again God’s Davids had brought down the world’s Goliath.
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Only this time, rather than using a stone and slingshot, the Lord’s representatives cooked up Hungarian sauerkraut soup, garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato soufflé and corn casseroles. As one of the organizers of the event said, “We might not have glitz and glamour of Vegas, but we know how to cook.”

When I first read that story I smiled and got a bit of  laugh at the last line.

 Then I remembered the words to the old hymn which says, “Let none hear you idly saying, There is nothing I can do, While the souls of men are dying And the Master calls for you. Take the task He gives you gladly, Let His work your pleasure be; Answer quickly when He calleth, "Here am I, send me, send me!"

When the hymn-writer composed those lines, I’m sure he didn’t have  a giant Amish  buffet in mind; but I’m equally sure that he knew the Lord has given each of His people a gift which can be used in His service.

For the Amish of Ohio, God’s gift is cooking and they’ve used that aptitude to raise tens of thousands of dollars to feed the poor. I like that… they understood what St. Paul was saying when he wrote “whether  you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do to the glory of God.’

That’s a good directive for all of God’s people. We ought remember: whether we’re working, or playing, or making a dish for a giant buffet, it should glorify the Lord Who sent His Son to save us. When God’s work is our pleasure, the Christ is lifted up for all to see.

THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, You have given me a gift. That skill may not be sensational or stunning, but in its use I can show my appreciation for all the Savior has done for me. Send Your Spirit upon me so that I, with confidence, may say, “There is something I can do.” In Jesus’ Name. Amen

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html