Cedarville Magazine, Summer 2013

The LawRedeemed “Every animal that parts the hoof and has the hoof cloven in two and chews the cud, among the animals, you may eat. Yet of those that chew the cud or have the hoof cloven you shall not eat these: the camel, the hare, and the rock badger, because they chew the cud but do not part the hoof, are unclean for you.” (Deut. 14:6–7) Why did any of this matter to God? The fact that God would not allow the people of Israel to eat bacon or shrimp is enough for many Christians to conclude that the Law was oppressive. What possible purpose could there be for such limitations? After all, doesn’t Paul say that God created all foods for people to enjoy richly (1 Tim. 6:17; Gen. 2:9)? For years I heard that God’s objective in giving food restrictions was to produce a healthier people. The idea was that eating uncooked pork could lead to trichinosis, and shellfish can easily spoil. Ultimately, however, this well-intentioned defense of God doesn’t hold up — kosher foods are not inherently healthier than the prohibited foods. Besides, God overturned the food laws in the New Testament anyway (Acts 10:15)! The actual reason for the food laws in the Old Testament directly relates to God’s mission for the nation of Israel. God chose the nation to be a holy and separate people whose corporate life was dedicated to living life God’s way. In order to be an effective testimony to the world, they had to be, in some sense, separate from it. The genius of the food laws can be found in the simple yet powerful way that they discouraged social interaction with pagan nations surrounding Israel. On a very practical level, the seemingly arbitrary food laws made it nearly impossible for Israelites to dine with Canaanites. When societies can’t mingle together over a meal, they don’t become close. We can see the power of kosher food laws even today because Israel is still a distinct culture and nation. You can’t say that about the ancient Hittites or Edomites, for example, whose national identity has been completely lost to the ages. So what do we learn about the kosher food law that is useful for our lives today? At least two things: by Chris Miller First, we learn the importance of separation from evil. This doesn’t mean that we separate from “sinners” since Jesus obviously spent time with all people in need (Luke 15), but we must be vigilant not to adopt the ungodly ways of the world around us. Keeping ourselves unspotted from the world, while constantly engaging it with the Gospel of Christ, requires intentional and persistent care. Second, we are reminded to spread the Gospel to all people and remember the role food can play in that mission. The New Testament abolishment of the food laws signals the end of the Old Testament restrictions. When Peter went into Cornelius’ house in Acts 10–11, the brothers in Jerusalem were astonished. The circumcised believers criticized him for going into the house of uncircumcised men and eating with them (Acts 11:2–3). Peter experienced the power of acceptance that eating with another can bring, and he used the intimacy of a meal to share the Gospel. The food laws were designed to keep the Jewish culture distinct until the Messiah came. Once the Messiah came, there was no reason for the nation to remain separate. In fact, the new directive was to spread the Good News of His arrival to all nations. “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) remains our calling today. Chris Miller is a Senior Professor of Biblical Studies. He received his Th.M. at Grace Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. at Dallas Theological Seminary. He has been at Cedarville since 1991. He and his wife, Pam, reside in Cedarville. You may contact Dr. Miller at millerc@cedarville.edu . online Bible Program This comprehensive Bible program offers a flexible bachelor’s degree and individual Bible class options. AddMission to Your Life and Ministry Learn more and refer a friend! cedarville.edu/onlinebible The online Bible program launches in October. Apply by September 1, and we’ll waive the application fee.