So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. That’s the claim, which ‘Sin City’ has been making about itself for over a year now. It’s a claim that they take seriously as the gambling community tries to do everything glitzier, gaudier, and more garishly than anyone else.
It’s a claim that is no longer true.
Last Saturday the faithful folk from the Amish community of Millersburg, Ohio took something away from Vegas. If that line doesn’t make you curious, nothing will. Now, lest you imagine rows of bearded men and bonneted women standing before the slot machines and breaking the bank, let me explain.
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 that it 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 that was set last year at the Las Vegas Hilton.
Once again God’s David’s have brought down the world’s Goliath. 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, but we know how to cook.”
When I read that last line, “we know how to cook,” I smiled. Then I remembered the old hymn that 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!” (Lutheran Worship Hymn 318, author Daniel March)
When the hymn-writer composed those lines, I’m sure he didn’t have an Amish buffet in mind, but I’m equally sure that he knew the Lord has given each of His people a gift that 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 today to all of God’s people. We ought to 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.
Today's Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 11-13 Luke 4:31-44
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