“So he answered and said, You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself."
[Luke 10:27-28]
Years ago we went to a local restaurant and Ricky let Rayce order the adult meal of fried tilapia. Rayce was convinced he would love it because it was the whole fish and he begged us every time we ate there.
I don’t even remember what he actually ate because he didn’t love it, but I do remember, like any mother, I sacrificed my meal and made some fish tacos out of the meat so we didn’t waste it. Rayce did, however, carefully wrap up the fish bones and informed us he was taking them home to mount them on his bedroom wall.
I drew the line there and the napkin remained on the table.
“Eat the fish, spit out the bones!”
Last week I mentioned the teaching of Henry Blackaby and learning to hear God’s voice. I listen closely when things are repeated because that is one way God speaks to me.
At camp this year I heard the phrase “Eat the fish, spit out the bones” twice. Since I had never heard it before and it’s unusual my ears perked up! It was in reference to when God speaks through people.
In different seasons of life I have tuned in to the inspiration and wisdom of teachers that love the Lord. I am so thankful for the obedience of these people to share what God put on their heart. I might not agree with 100% of everything they say, but I still appreciate the encouragement or revelation I needed at that time.
When God speaks through people I think this is something we must consider. We as people are not perfect and our journey with Jesus is unique to us. Sometimes we have to spit out the bones and give people grace for the areas we don’t see eye to eye on. Jesus loves them too!
I feel like this is so relevant to people that have a past they’d prefer to forget or maybe they stumble after years of walking with the Lord. Their present mess up doesn’t invalidate the years they did walk closely with the Lord. We should pray that the Lord will restore them!
It’s easy as we hear testimonies of what God has done for someone to analyze their past or suspect what their future holds. Instead, let us celebrate the moment that our God came alongside that person and gave them a victory in their battle!
I pray today our loving Father speaks to you! Know that He loves you and wants nothing more than to have a relationship with you. You are so very special…that’s meat right there…don’t spit it out!
Dig Deeper
John 3:16-17 | Galatians 6:1-6 | James 3:17 | Matthew 7:1-5 | Luke 6:31-36 | Luke 10:27-28