02-13-15

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
February 13, 2025
I really enjoy the annual Chili Cook-Off. We’ve been doing it since 2016, and I know that because I have the trophy from the first year. Of course, as I have shared often, I got the sympathy vote the first year. There were a couple of very generous people who felt sorry for me, so they loaded up my bowl with a lot of cash. Since then, I don’t believe I have ranked in the top 10. That’s not to make you all feel sorry for me, and I am sure not going for the sympathy vote. What I am trying to communicate is how much fun we have. Yes, there is a lot of bantering and silly trash talk that happens. Some of us really get into the debate on whether real chili has beans or not. Is white chicken chili really chili since it has practically no chili powder? It is a good reminder of how the church can do something good and have a lot of fun doing it.

I have always laughed at Jeremiah 48:33, where we read:

Gladness and joy have been taken away from the fruitful land of Moab; I have stopped the wine from the wine presses…

In scripture, wine is often associated with joy and gladness, and when the wine press stops producing wine, gladness and joy dry up as well. Now it is important to be mindful that with the drinking of alcohol comes certain problems, and there are plenty of people who struggle with addiction. In no way do I wish to imply that wine is required for there to be joy and gladness, but in the ancient world, wine was life. Water was not always plentiful, and when it was present, it was not always life-giving. Water might be stagnant or contaminated, and thus dangerous. In many cultures, wine took on religious symbolism, often associated with abundance and blessing. This was very true in ancient Israel and in the days of Jesus.

Now there won’t be any wine served at the Chili Cook-Off, but there will be chili in abundance, and from funds raised, blessings will abound for mission and outreach. And though the work of faith invites us to be very serious about important issues, I believe our faith also suggests we were created for experiences of joy and gladness, and Cypress Creek Christian Church has found one very fun way of bringing a little joy and delight into the lives of many, while doing something good.

As I seek a world where all people can experience joy and the fullness of life, I look to you, O Generous Creator, as I believe the work of kindness and grace is best done with some laughter and joy. May I find the balance. Amen.
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