Because we work in children’s ministry on Sunday mornings, my family and I don’t often hear sermons during that time.
On one hand, I enjoy the spiritual health I maintain by studying on my own. Seeing a familiar Bible passage in fresh light, as I often do with the children’s stories I teach, is an injection of strength for my inner man. But sometimes, it’s even more refreshing to just sit back and take in what an amazing pastor or other gifted speaker has to share.
So, we do that all week long via Sermon Audio online. Currently, we’ve been listening to Steve Pettit, a former evangelist and president of Bob Jones University, here in the U.S.
Recently, he shared a story from his early days in ministry. As part of a missions team to Africa, he and several other young men traveled deep into the bush to share the gospel with a group of Maasai warriors who had, to the best of the team’s knowledge, never seen a white man or heard of Jesus Christ.
When Pettit and his friends arrived, they were greeted warmly and allowed to teach the villagers. One evangelist told the story of the gospel from the perspective of the Old Testament, explaining man’s need for a Savior because of Adam and Eve’s sin.
The second evangelist picked up the story in the New Testament, telling of Jesus’ first coming, ministry, death, and resurrection.
The ending to Pettit’s tale brought me to tears. The fierce Maasai were so moved that many believed in Christ that day, the very first time they had ever the message of the Bible.
As the evangelistic team prepared to leave, one of the Maasai said something to the effect of, “You have left us with the taste of honey in our mouths, and we do not want to lose that taste. Please send more missionaries to teach us.”
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! – Psalm 119:103
What a reminder to relish the privilege we have of knowing God! We should daily be savoring his goodness, his sweetness, his power, his love – all of those “flavors” that make him our sustaining heavenly Father.
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. – Psalm 34:8
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. – Ephesians 5:2
What do appreciate most about the “flavors” of God? I’d love to hear from you.
My Way Home 
Paul wrote in Ephesians that each one of us is given a portion of the manifold wisdom of God. I love that through listening to the teaching from the whole body of Christ, I get a better picture of Gods far-reaching plan for us all. It is truly marvelous to my eyes.
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Yes! I understand exactly what you mean.
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I think my most favorite flavor is the flavor of internal peace. It can brighten a dark room and bring insight of His purpose. Thank you for your sweet words today.
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Thank you for responding! Yes, nothing is sweeter than the peace God can give.
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I can totally relate, I also help at teens church so most times I miss the sermons, but my husband and I listen to messages on Youtube, mostly from Bethany Church in Lousiana, even though we are in the UK 🙂
It’s funny, but I like the bitter flavours too, those times when the word exposes my heart and convicts me, makes me know that I’m growing in Him. Thanks for your post. I like the way you called it ‘flavours’
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I agree. The bittersweet flavors are strong, memorable, and help us grow!
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That’s so good! Sometimes I forget how good it is to be a Christian. But God always reminds me ☺
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Lovely story! Beautiful images and sweet tasting quotes;)
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Thanks, Jennifer!
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