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REFLECTIONS
Taste and discover

Gordon Matties

Psalm 34:8

Having sampled the sauce in the Indian dinner I am cooking for some friends, I find myself unable to put words to its taste. The chicken dish follows a recipe an Indian friend gave me some time ago: three green chili peppers, a teaspoon of homemade Indian chili powder, ten garlic cloves, a stalk of ginger root, cumin, coriander, tumeric, curry powder, onions, tomatoes. It is extravagant and exquisite.

My taste test reminds me of my search for a contemporary Bible translation for my young daughter. While the chicken simmers, I look up Psalm 34:8. Puzzled by the Contemporary English Version’s “Discover for yourself that the LORD is kind”, I consider the alternative: “Taste and see that the LORD is good” (New Living Translation). For the CEV to omit the “tasting” removes the psalmist’s imagery. The psalmist’s advice is like parents encouraging their children to diversify their food preferences. I often find myself suggesting (usually to no avail), “Try a little” or “Taste it and see.”

Perhaps we, too, are like young children who prefer familiar, tested tastes. Maybe that’s why the psalmist says, “Taste and discover for yourself that the LORD is good.” Risk the taste of the unusual. Taste the gourmet God whose goodness may well surprise and delight you beyond your wildest imagination.

Reflections is a column of brief reflections on Scripture passages. This one is by Gordon Matties of Concord College, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg. Freelance submissions for Reflections (200-250 words in length) are welcome.

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Last modified November 7, 2000.

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