If someone calls you a "milk drinker," they probably don't intend it as a compliment.
The author of Hebrews certainly wasn't trying to compliment the spiritual condition of his listeners when he compared them to children who were not ready for solid food. To be fair, he probably didn't intend to insult them, either. Instead, he wanted to send them a clear warning that their lack of knowledge was a sign that they were in spiritual danger. Likening them to spiritual milk drinkers probably got their attention!Even though Jesus commended a faith that is childlike in its sincerity, wonder, and trust, He does not want us to remain in a state of perpetual immaturity when it comes to our knowledge of spiritual matters or our readiness to serve Him. Living the life He desires for us requires the strength and maturity that comes from eating solid food. If we never move past spiritual milk, we will be unprepared for the demands of authentic discipleship. Just as we may hear people say, "You are what you eat," to encourage a healthy diet, our passage this Sunday reminds us that what we feed upon spiritually determines what kind of people we will become.
I invite you to read Hebrews 5:11-6:3 and think about the difference between those who drink spiritual milk and those who eat solid food. Ask Jesus to show you areas in your life where He would like to wean you onto a richer and more sustaining relationship with Him.
Pastor Andrew
The author of Hebrews certainly wasn't trying to compliment the spiritual condition of his listeners when he compared them to children who were not ready for solid food. To be fair, he probably didn't intend to insult them, either. Instead, he wanted to send them a clear warning that their lack of knowledge was a sign that they were in spiritual danger. Likening them to spiritual milk drinkers probably got their attention!Even though Jesus commended a faith that is childlike in its sincerity, wonder, and trust, He does not want us to remain in a state of perpetual immaturity when it comes to our knowledge of spiritual matters or our readiness to serve Him. Living the life He desires for us requires the strength and maturity that comes from eating solid food. If we never move past spiritual milk, we will be unprepared for the demands of authentic discipleship. Just as we may hear people say, "You are what you eat," to encourage a healthy diet, our passage this Sunday reminds us that what we feed upon spiritually determines what kind of people we will become.
I invite you to read Hebrews 5:11-6:3 and think about the difference between those who drink spiritual milk and those who eat solid food. Ask Jesus to show you areas in your life where He would like to wean you onto a richer and more sustaining relationship with Him.
Pastor Andrew
No Comments