Saturday, March 5, 2011

Dining Etiquette

Pro 23:1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
Pro 23:2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
Pro 23:3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

1Co 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

I had worked many years as a wedding photographer with receptions which sometimes were elaborate banquets. I generally would not eat of their dainties unless I was asked to do so. Some were very generous, others were not, but I was not hired to dine, but to work. One reception the bride and groom were on a tight budget and they ran out of food. The guests received the best and the groom went to McDonalds and shared his meal with his bride.
Jesus ate with rulers, Pharisees and scribes, who were looking for some fault to in which to accuse him. A ruler may be just looking you over, so be aware. Jesus often turned the tables on them, so to speak.

Mat 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
Mat 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
Mat 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
Mat 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Jesus is the highest ruler of all. Remember that we represent him, so we should not behave in a manner to bring reproach to his name. Dine with friends or dine with those who cannot repay you, this is pleasing to the Lord.

Luk 14:12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
Luk 14:13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
Luk 14:14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

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