The Sheer Sweetness of Squealing Pigs: Why I Marvel at God's Chosen Feast
Okay, friends, let’s talk about squealing. Not the kind you do when you see a puppy, though that’s pretty great too. I’m talking about… well, let's just say it involves pigs and a whole lotta’ Old Testament. Specifically, I want to dive into how I’ve come to appreciate the “squeal” in the biblical context, because honestly, it's a little weird, right? But when we start digging in, we can find a whole lot of sweet lessons about God’s provision and our own gratitude, and that's what I'm here to share.
I've always been a bit fascinated with the idea of sacrifice in the Bible, especially when it involves animals. I mean, we read about burnt offerings and wave offerings and all sorts of rituals, and honestly, sometimes it feels like a different world. But I recently came across Leviticus 7:11-13, which talks about the peace offering, where a portion of the sacrifice is eaten by the one making the offering, and it really hit me. It says, "And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which one may offer to the Lord. If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the thanksgiving sacrifice unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers smeared with oil, and cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, well-kneaded. With the sacrifice of his peace offering for thanksgiving he shall bring his offering with cakes of leavened bread."
This passage, while it doesn't specifically mention pigs, really got me thinking. These aren't just random acts; they’re opportunities for community and gratitude. They’re about sharing a meal, acknowledging God’s provision, and building bonds, even as animals are involved. And I realized that while we don't perform these kinds of sacrifices anymore, the sentiment is still something we can apply to our lives.
I remember this past Thanksgiving; my family got together, and there was this amazing spread of food. There was turkey, of course, but also this massive ham. Now, while it wasn’t exactly “sacrificed” in the biblical sense, as we went around the table saying what we were thankful for, I couldn't help but think about that biblical feast. The sounds of everyone talking, laughing, passing around the dishes - it was our modern equivalent of that peace offering, a kind of “sacrifice” of our time and our resources to create joy and fellowship. I thought about how the noise of a bustling kitchen and the laughter of loved ones fill my heart with a deep sense of gratitude. Like the peace offering in Leviticus, our Thanksgiving was a way to connect with each other and with God.
And you know, while I was reflecting on all of this, I remembered reading about the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. When the son returns, the father has a feast thrown, and one of the things that’s mentioned is the fatted calf (v. 23), and while not a pig again, that picture of joyful celebration really resonated with me! It's the image of abundant grace and forgiveness, a picture of the sheer sweetness of being welcomed back home. When we gather with loved ones for meals, we aren’t necessarily sacrificing an animal, but we are "sacrificing" our time, cooking efforts, and sharing resources.
My own understanding of faith has evolved to embrace the idea that God's love is not just found in peaceful solitude or quiet contemplation. It's also in the messy, noisy, even sometimes chaotic, gatherings where we celebrate life, love, and provision. I find it beautiful that even in the squealing, the sounds that might seem out of place, there can be a deeper truth about thankfulness and togetherness.
Honestly, I get that this might sound a bit out there to some folks. The Bible can be full of stuff that makes us go "huh?" But I’ve learned it's so powerful when we push through the discomfort, when we try to find the gold even in the "weird" parts. I really believe God is trying to show us something profound, and the "squealing" of it all is just part of the symphony.
So, think about it: what's your "squealing pig" experience? Where is that unexpected place where God’s grace has shown up in your life? Is it in a chaotic family gathering, a bustling kitchen, or somewhere else entirely? I encourage you to find those seemingly messy moments and ask God to show you His sweetness there. Let’s explore those "squeals" together, friends, and see what kind of beautiful truths we can uncover.