Sweet. Sour. Salty. Bitter. Savory. Taste is one of our five senses, and, as it turns out, there are five ways to taste. A quick search of scripture yields verses that include samplings of all five ways to taste and see that our Lord is good.
Taste and See
The sweetness of Honey: “How sweet Your words taste to me; they are more precious than honey.” Psalm 119:103
The sourness of Vinegar: “Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.” Proverbs 10:26
Salt as Seasoning: “Season all your grain offerings with salt to remind you of God’s eternal covenant. Never forget to add salt to your grain offerings.” Leviticus 2:18
Bitter Wine: “The soldiers gave Jesus wine mixed with bitter gall, but when He had tasted it, He refused to drink it.” Matthew 27:34
Savory Broth: “The angel of God said to him, ‘Place the meat and the unleavened bread on this rock, and pour the broth over it.'” Judges 6:20
As we read the Word of God, it comes alive to us through our senses. Can you taste the honey? Do you feel the vinegar in your teeth? How we perceive the Word has a bearing on how it impacts our lives. Learning that grain offerings were to be seasoned with salt indicates that what we give to God must be palatable to Him. Our most profound sacrifices are comprised of what He desires.
Which taste is your favorite?
My sweet tooth has caused me to overeat on many occasions. But, the sweetness of God’s Word never disappoints. His Word nourishes our souls and quenches our thirsty spirits. From milk to solid food, we learn, grow, and mature in Him. But, if we fail to eat, we deteriorate and die spiritually. We must eat the God-breathed Word for it to be useful for “teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness to be equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Let’s Reflect
Which of the five tastes have you encountered in your Bible reading this week? Take time to journal each taste you find as you spend time in the Word.
Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for the different sensations our tongues can perceive as we taste Your Word. May our hunger and thirst for You increase each day. And may we taste and see Your goodness every day of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.