"O Taste and See"

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8 (KJV)

At the University of Chicago Divinity School each year they have what is called "Baptist Day." On this day each one is to bring a lunch to be eaten outdoors in a grassy picnic area. Every "Baptist Day" the school would invite one of the greatest minds to lecture in the theological education center.

One year they invited Dr. Paul Tillich. Dr.Tillich spoke for two and one-half hours proving that the resurrection of Jesus was false.

He quoted scholar after scholar and book after book. He concluded that since there was no such thing as the historical resurrection, the religious tradition of the church was groundless, emotional mumbo-jumbo, because it was based on a relationship with a risen Jesus, who, in fact, never rose from the dead in any literal sense. He then asked if there were any questions.

After about 30 seconds, an old, dark skinned preacher with a head of short-cropped, woolly white hair stood up in the back of the auditorium.

"Docta Tillich, I got one question," he said as all eyes turned toward him. He reached into his sack lunch and pulled out an apple and began eating it.

"Docta Tillich. CRUNCH, MUNCH” My question is a simple question,...CRUNCH, MUNCH..."Now, I ain't never read them books you read...CRUNCH,MUNCH.."and I can't recite the Scriptures in the original Greek...CRUNCH,MUNCH ..." I don't know nothin' about Niebuhr and Heidegger...CRUNCH,MUNCH...He finished the apple. "All I wanna know is: This apple I just ate, ------was it bitter or sweet?"

Dr. Tillich paused for a moment and answered in exemplary scholarly fashion: "I cannot possibly answer that question, for I haven't tasted your apple."

The old white-haired preacher dropped the core of his apple into his crumpled paper bag, looked up at Dr. Tillich and said calmly---"Neither have you tasted my Jesus."

The 1,000 plus in attendance could not contain themselves. The auditorium erupted with applause and cheers. Dr. Tillich thanked his audience and promptly left the platform.
Have you tasted Jesus? Jesus has risen... and he's coming back one day!

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him If you have, rejoice in the hope of the resurrection that your faith in Him brings.

Independence Day Reflections

Today was a great day to be alive and to thank God for the many intangibles He affords us. It was Independence Sunday, a day that holds great significance in my life.

While many celebrated the birth of our country, participated in family reunions, hosted barbeque cookouts and witnessed fireworks displays, I could not help but remember that on this day twenty eight years ago, I was baptized after confessing Christ as Lord of my life. I will never forget it. It was as though it were yesterday. During that time we had Baptism and Communion in the evening and I will never forget the preacher preaching on the subject of God’s amazing grace. I am so glad I’m saved and don’t know what I would do without the Lord.

Anticipating a potential shortage in attendance due to the holiday weekend, we decided to have one service instead of our usual two services. I praise God that the house was full and the spirit was high as the saints praised God for His wondrous works. I continued my series of sermons from Psalm 119 verses 33-40 entitled “Class is in Session.” God truly blessed the preaching moment and several people recommitted their lives to Jesus including two as candidates for baptism. God be praised!!

After worship, my family honored an invitation to dinner at the home of one of the families of our church. Dinner was delicious as well as the rich fellowship we experienced. I am truly thankful for their hospitality as we had no real plans of our own.

We also took time to attend the County fair on the south side of town. Although I did not do a whole lot my son and granddaughter had a ball.

Soon after that, we returned home and shared in the enjoyment of firework with our neighbors who were only too kind to welcome us graciously. We truly have a great group of neighbors who look out for one another and are generous with their resources.

Well, I have bored you long enough. Forgive my ramblings and all. It’s been a great day and I am low on energy. Time to say goodnight. We’ll talk soon!!

AWAITING THE DAWN

When shall I arise, and the night be gone? Job 7:4.


The bible records many long nights and sleepless saints watching for the morning (Psalms 130:6). While the world drinks and dances, souls hard pressed by many a foe ask, "Watchman, what of the night?" God gives His beloved sleep, but there are times when sleep gives way to prayer. Our Lord "continued all night in prayer to God" (Luke 6:12). But though weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning (Psalms 30:5), when He shall be as the light of the morning, even a morning without clouds (2 Samuel 23:4). And, best of all, we are headed for a city where there shall be no night (Revelation 21:25).

Vance Havner, All The Days, p. 98