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The
Pleasure Principle
Why taste? Why
flavor?
Why
human attraction to colors, shapes, and textures? Is there really a
cause behind the effect, an intelligent designer behind it all who has
implanted in humans a passion to pursue the pleasure of good food?
A first century Biblical text reflects that good food
results in satiating pleasure. "He [God] provides you with plenty
of food and fills your hearts with joy." Acts 14:17b NIV.
Other examples come from the Jesus story. His first miracle
of turning water into wine suggests that there is more to drinking (and
eating) in the divine design than just filling up human gas tanks. It
saved the wedding host from the embarrassment of running out of wine.
Furthermore, it produced raves about how the drinks got better as the
celebration progressed.
Later the prospect of free fast food motivated thousands to
follow Jesus. Just like today's paparazzi and groupies. In fact people
saw this as an opportunity to turn him into a very convenient fast food
delivery system (The masses wanted to coronate him king as in
"Burger King".)
Jesus, however, viewed their hunger as a bridge for
understanding. If people could trust him to provide food, they could
also rely on him to meet the deepest human desires, forgiveness,
freedom, intimacy, life on the other side of death. To enjoy the
benefits he offered, however, there was a condition. They must "eat
him," "drink him in," "follow him," relate
intimately to him in such a way that his words, character, and spirit
would interweave into the very fabric of their everyday lives.
The pleasure we derive from food is only the appetizer. It
previews the source and the full course meal of satiating joy that the
Psalmist speaks of with wonder.
I want to drink God, deep draughts of God. I'm thirsty for God-alive.
I wonder, "Will I ever make it--arrive and drink in God's
presence."
Psalm 42 The Message
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