A friend originally from Northern Ireland, had some family members visiting from there, and Jack and I invited them to a picnic in our back yard. I made “Shake and Bake” chicken and a marinated salad, rolls, and cake for dessert with ice cream.

They were lovely people, and I enjoyed their accents as we talked. Some time after the picnic, our friend’s wife told me that they had said, “You eat like kings!” I knew that they were not financially poor people, and so I was surprised to hear the remark. It seemed to me that I had been taking almost everything in my life for granted until a friendly window had opened and I couldn’t take it that way any more.

“ You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit down and when I rise; you perceive me from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.” ( Psalm 139:1-3)

A completely fresh perspective on one’s lifestyle or even dinner style, brings introspection and wonder, and I began to feel both. The scripture supplied reassurance that regardless of my life situation, there is One who knows, and is steadfast in my life.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

Three times Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17)and Peter knew that Jesus was talking about the Bread of Life. Even in telling Peter this, Jesus was restoring Peter as his disciple. Jesus was feeding Peter as he ordered Peter to feed his sheep. Jesus’ food would sustain Peter for the rest of his life, and Jesus would add to it again and again, into eternity.

When we take communion, we all “eat like kings,” for we are given an immediate reminder into our own body, of the body of Christ himself. Peter had seen Jesus give literal bread to thousands of people, and he knew that the temporary nourishment it provided was only a picture of the supernatural life and health that Jesus would bring to his people. He knew that he, Peter, would be feeding Christ to the people.

“You eat like kings” when you seek Christ in scripture. “You eat like kings” when you listen to sermons or study Christian writers. “You eat like kings” when you teach children about Jesus, and especially when you seek him in prayer. I still marvel at my simple picnic, but I recall with joy that after our prayer, we were all eating like kings.

Love in Him,

Prue