?

  “Instead we should write and tell them to abstain from eating food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from consuming blood. For these laws of Moses have been preached in Jewish synagogues in every city on every Sabbath for many generations.” Acts 15:19-21

  Again I am confused. This passage came about because the Pharisees who believed in Jesus were attempting to insist Gentile believers follow the Jewish Law. I understand that sexual immorality is not the behaviour of true believers simply because sex for the sake of sex isn’t an expression of love.

  But what about these dietary restrictions? Is it because food offered to idols is only found near idols? Therefore a believer would have to be in the idol’s temple or in front of a shrine in order to access the food. Is it because merely being in the presence of an idol has risk?

  Knowing how easily the Hebrews were enthralled by their golden calf (before Moses came down from the mountain with the Ten Commandments) is point and proof that idols can lead us astray very easily. And knowing how easily I am distracted by my own range of idols...less is more.

  So what about strangled animals and the consumption of blood? (This might be gory for some readers.) A chicken whose throat is cut has a beating heart that pumps the blood out until it dies from lack of blood. The meat is cleaner. (Yet another farm lesson.)

  A strangled chicken must be hung upside down until gravity causes the blood to drain into the head. Sometimes there are remnants of blood found in the veins and arteries throughout the bird once it has been plucked and cleaned. Of the two, a cut throat is the more merciful way of executing an animal although now it is required by chicken processors that the animals be knocked unconscious prior to cutting their throat. (I am thankful not to have to do this sort of thing anymore.)

  How does the Last Supper challenge this? We drink wine, not actual blood although there are faiths which believe the wine actually changes to blood…I am more confused than ever…

  Lord, I am short on time this morning and long on questions. I pray You will guide me into understanding and clarity. In Jesus’ name. AMEN!