Growing Demands Strong Meat

December 4

Other than the fact that Jesus is referred to as “the Bread of Life,” and as “Living Water,” perhaps the most referenced source of sustenance in the Word of God is milk. Understandably so. Observe any young creature at the breast of its mother and we cannot help but recognize the vital role played by this sustaining nutriment.

In his first letter, the Apostle says, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” I Peter 2:2. The ability to suckle is innate. Newborns don’t have to be taught how to receive life-giving sustenance. Believers must be like them, knowing instinctively that our life depends upon the word of truth.

But as the young child who receives nutrition exclusively from the breast for his first months of life must go on to rice cereal and pureed fruits and vegetables, so the believer must go on. In Hebrews 5:13, 14, Paul says, “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature…trained to distinguish good from evil.”

He continues in Hebrews 6:1, “Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity.” The ‘milk of the word’ has served its purpose in us as does mothers’ milk for infants. Going on to maturity requires heartier fare. Growing in faith, as growing in body, demands strong meat (Hebrews 5:14) and mature faith will allow the believer to truly discern good from evil.