PSALM 34:8

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

TO PONDER

I remain intrigued by the number of food products that still today, market themselves inside the supermarket, inviting shoppers to try the cooked / prepared version of their product to taste-test and the friendly cook then provides directions as to which aisle the shopper will find the product in the store - and from my experience will then generally also point out that it is on special this week for whatever the price.

I must admit I can be included (on reflection, a number of times over the years) in the shoppers who accept the invitation to try and never have the intention of purchasing the product. So, why is this marketing option still chosen?

Simply, because it works! Because there are sufficient numbers of shoppers who accept the invitation to taste, are impressed and then purchase the product.  They 'try then buy'. And to add to the in-store marketing success, the purchasing customer usually initiates the next invaluable piece in the marketing chain via 'word of mouth' to family and friends. One of the most effective proven marketing models for any business and certainly one of the most cost efficient. 

We have the same invitation extended to us in the verse from today’s Psalm.  Taste and see that the Lord is good. In fact, this invitation is regularly extended to us during worship (it’s even included to those worshipping on-line these days) as we are invited to the Lords table to partake in His holy meal of His body and blood – a meal graciously provided to us and to all who believe.

We have indeed tasted (and will continue to do so at the Lord’s Table) exactly what is on offer for us and we know that everything about Him is good. We will continue to be blessed by following and taking refuge in Him.

Are you compellingly marketing for the Lord to grow His Kingdom here on earth through 'word-of-mouth'?

As we go about our daily lives there are abundant opportunities for each one of us to invite those around us to come to know Jesus. To taste and see that He is good. 

We have accepted our invitation but when was the last time you extended this boundless invitation to others?    

PRAYER:Lamb of God. Thank you for my personal gracious invitation to be your child. Thank you that you continue to extend this invitation even though I stray from your path time after time. Thank you that you invite me regularly to your table to share the meal that you prepared for me so I can taste Your goodness. Help me not to shy away from extending Your invitation to others so they too can taste and see that You are good. In Your name we pray.   Amen        

Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping