Kitchen Stadium.
Just a few decades ago, this term would have elicited a blank stare from most people. What kind of sporting event would take place in a kitchen? It must be a limited game like darts or a very small obstacle course. Perhaps it is an elaborate display of the latest appliances and kitchen designs? Within the past two decades, the popular uprising of celebrity chefs features on cable television channels and social media, showcasing their culinary skills, has completely transformed our lexicon. Sous vide, meuniere, and now, Kitchen Stadium! In its original incarnation, it was a term coined by one of the cooking shows of this new genre, “Iron Chef.” It described the arena where chefs would compete to prepare their dishes using a secret ingredient, chosen by the moderator, known as the Chairman.
Recently, I was privileged to enter another kitchen stadium. Arranged in an elaborate outdoor tent, enclosing over five hundred people, four rows of seats and tables were arranged around a central cooking area. As we took our seats, we were treated to the culinary creations from five of the world’s top French chefs as they each prepared a meal for us and several hundred guests. The meals were plated by dozens of sous chefs, overseen by each master chef. It was more astounding than we could have ever imagined!
In the presence of these culinary masters who surrounded us, it was inspiring and for avid foodies, like my wife and myself, an absolute delight to be in the presence of such giants who served us their latest creations, concocted specifically for this event. The delicious dishes were even more delectable because we were surrounded by other enthusiastic foodies and were being served by some of our greatest inspirations. The entire kitchen stadium was united in awe and revelry.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
Someday, in Heaven, we will meet all of the great saints who have confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I have been privileged to have met many of them who have led and guided me in my walk and strengthened my faith in God. Although they are now in Heaven with our Lord, their witnesses to me still encourage and inspire me. When we are reunited someday, it will not be a meal prepared at Kitchen Stadium. It will be more astounding than anything I can ever imagine.
It will be the wedding feast with Jesus Christ and His Church.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 