“But now hear, O Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen! Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: (Isaiah 44:1,2 ESV)
Precious
Most potluck dinners cause an internal struggle. While many tasty delights are spread before me, I usually want to eat what WE brought. Because of the hope presented in these verses.
God promises hope to the Israelites of Isaiah’s day, and that same hope dominos down to His church today. He will help us. Which means more than paying bills, finding medication, and improving employment options. The help God promises is eternal as well as present… it is foundational as well as detailed… it is soul as well as heart, body, and mind.
So what does that have to do with casseroles and banquet bars?
God promises His help because He has chosen His people, and made them.
And the food we bring to the potluck table is just like that. We chose it, we selected it, we liked it enough to say, “THAT is what we will bring…” And we made it. Usually DeAnne, of course… but sometimes I help a little.
The things we chose and made are precious to us. Even in the midst of exotic, delicious, and fun other foods.
And we, Christians, are precious to God for the same reason.
We are peculiar, we are precious.