Sanctified by The Word of God

"For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer." -I Timothy 4:4, 5 [KJV]

I have often thought that there is somewhat in our ordinary meals, and especially the evening meal, which hath a tendency to call up the exercise of grace. Surely our family refreshments should remind us of the Lord's family; and our own supper, of the Lord's supper. The thing itself might well be supposed to call up our attention, and to create holy conversation concerning Him and His table, and of that supper of the Lamb in heaven, at which believers hope very shortly to meet as one family, to rise up no more for ever. And, as at the Lord's table, so at our own; every thing is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

My soul, mark what this scripture saith, concerning our food; "Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if received with thanksgiving, and sanctified." God's word over it, and the prayer of the faithful offered up with it, gives a sanctified use to all our comforts, and brings with them a double sweetness: And, if, while receiving them, we look to Him; so that while the body feeds on His bounties, the soul is fed on His grace; surely the heart feeds with thanksgiving, and every creature is good.

Many a poor man, by these means, hath found more of Jesus at his own table, than thousands who perceive not Jesus, do at the Lord's. And to be thus feasted night and morning, every service becomes sacramental; for Christ is still the passover. Lord, make my whole use of the creatures of Thy bounty thus sanctified to me, that I may behold and enjoy Jesus in every one!

 

-preacher Robert Hawker (1753-1827 A.D.)

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