of-01-soul

Bible Training Resources

Developing a
Banquet Mentality

2.
o

Banquet
Abundance

It is very important that we develop a banquet mentality. We must throw away any false idea that the Christian life amounts to scratching out a meagre existence as spiritual paupers. Last time we saw that desperation plus knowledge plus confidence to act sent Naaman in search of God’s healing for him. In this study we will focus on the need for knowledge.

Esther 1:1-7vdescribes a sumptuous seven day banquet initiated by the then ruler of Babylon, Ahasuerus the king of the Medes and Persians. Royal wine was supplied in abundance, according to the generosity of the king. We see from this example that the Biblical idea of a banquet is a far grander event than our Western practice of sharing a meal together.

The Lord wants us to develop a banquet mentality concerning His love for us and His resources. He is the God of overflowing abundance and our thinking needs to come into line with that truth.

Breaking Our Small-Minded Conditioning

1.	Recognise Our Conditioning

We are conditioned to take a modest portion of what is offered to us. That may be polite in most settings but it does not apply to the resources of Heaven.

The Example of a Home Communion

Let us imagine that five believers are about to share communion in a home. A slice of bread has been cut into ten pieces, five small and five slightly larger. As the plate is passed around, most people would take a small piece of bread rather than a bigger one. After communion it would be usual to find the five larger pieces of bread still on the plate.

That is not a banquet mentality. A banquet provides an abundance for everybody, and so you can take a large portion without lessening anyone else’s share.

2.	Realise that Change is Vital

Our reserve at mealtimes is largely due to the fact that we have limited resources. If we take too many potatoes then there may not be enough for everyone. The amount of food is limited because it is humanly provided. But at God’s banquet those limitations simply do not apply. Unfortunately if our reserve concerning natural food is brought over into our relationship with the Lord then we will only expect and acquire a little portion. The change of mindset needed in order to develop a banquet mentality is far greater than we realise, but such change is essential in order to enter into the banquet.

3.	Reject the Poverty Mentality

It is wise to watch what we eat for health reasons, but becoming fanatical about dieting can lead to negative attitudes towards abundance and the enjoyment of food.
This can lead to a poverty mentality where we think that all we deserve is a small and sub-standard portion, not only of food but of everything life offers. Such an attitude will keep us spiritually malnourished. It is important to remember that God’s banquet is spiritual and therefore we can eat and eat, and our waistline stays the same. It is all good for us and the more the better.

We must throw aside the pauper mentality. God’s people should not be half-starved and hesitant but enthusiastically expectant of receiving the abundance of God.

A banquet mentality involves a healthy hunger for all that the Lord has for us, and a willingness to cast off hesitation and self-imposed restraints so that we may receive His overflowing blessing.

Some Purposes of God’s Banquet

1.	Meaningful Fellowship

Jud 14:12.oAnother example of a banquet lasting seven days is Samson’s marriage feast. Even though the situation did not end happily, it reveals that one intention of such a banquet is fellowship in an light-hearted atmosphere of celebration.

2.	Impartation of Strength

Eccl 10:17.oOne purpose of food is to nourishment the body so that it has strength to accomplish its daily tasks. God’s banquet is an opportunity to receive spiritual strength so that we can serve the Lord more effectively. The idea is not to lock the doors to the outside world and live in a perpetual private party. We should be outward looking people. The banquet gives us something to share with those who have little or nothing.

Enjoyment

V 19.oIt is necessary to take the important matters of life seriously but we should also be able to relax and enjoy ourselves. Wine in appropriate amounts assists the relaxing process by loosening up our inhibitions. A banquet lasting for days would create a wonderful environment in which to ditch our inhibitions and experience ever-deepening joy and happiness. Jesus actually advocated this during the wedding at Cana.

Next time we will take a look at this wedding and examine the generosity of Jesus.

Home Page

Studies Index

Previous Study

Next Study