Bare Essentials (1 John 5:4-5)

On our recent vacation to Spain, my wife and I dined at a unique restaurant, Sa Taula. The two chef-owners were childhood friends from the Catalan region and always dreamed of opening a restaurant together. However, their funds were limited. When a small space opened in the gastronomic city of San Sebastian, they seized the opportunity and rented the space. However, the zoning did not permit a full kitchen. Thus, all cooking was performed with a toaster oven and a cooktop. Next to this is a sink and dishwasher. On the other side, a prep area with several shelves above it, containing a variety of pickled vegetables, fruits, and spices. The seating was a communal table, able to accommodate 12 guests. As the prix fixe dinner commenced, we were amazed that the two chefs were the only employees. Working in perfect combination, the duo served 10 mind-blowing tasting dishes. With the completion of each dish, one efficiently removed the plates, placed them in the dishwasher, and readied the next dish. It was like watching a cooking competition where the chefs were tasked to create amazing meals under extreme conditions and limited resources. As we easily conversed with the two chefs doing the final platings in front of us, we learned that the prep begins early in the day for the daily dinner. Some ingredients, such as cured meats and pickled fruits and vegetables, take weeks to months of preparation. Depending upon the season, one may see the meats hanging off the wall. 

These seeming limitations did not hinder this creative duo from presenting some of the most imaginative dishes we have ever eaten. The esteemed Michelin guide agrees and has given the restaurant a strong recommendation. It is booked months in advance and we were fortunate to get a reservation. It was a lovely reminder that a memorable dining experience can be created and served with limited resources, stripped down to the bare essentials.

The Church, the Body of Jesus Christ, has grown since the first day of Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On that day, three thousand souls were added. As the Church grew, magnificent churches built hundreds of years ago, inspired generations of worshipers. Today, many of these same churches contain dwindling numbers of worshipers and many have closed, becoming converted into restaurants or office buildings. The most vibrant churches are found in small villages and homes within countries where Christians are actively persecuted. No grand facades. No elaborate stages, sound, or lighting systems. No childcare programs. No parking lot attendants. Only preaching and studying God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship amongst its members. 

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 

1 John 5:4-5 (ESV)

Like the restaurant in Spain, stripped down to the bare essentials, the Church will always be a family of believers worshipping Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Elaborate buildings and programs are wonderful but only true faith in Jesus Christ will save us. 

Amen!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.