In the 1970's, a popular cereal introduced an even more popular commercial that produced a catch phrase that is still used today. In this television advertisement we saw three brothers at a breakfast table; two of which were reluctant to try this new cereal. The youngest of the three, apparently the pickiest of eaters, was given the bowl in question. After a moment of hesitation, he begins to eat the cereal and enjoys it – to which the brothers exclaim; "He likes it! Hey, Mikey!"

Decades later, we find ourselves still referring to the beloved commercial, saying phrases like: "Try it! You'll like it!" or "Mikey likes it!". To a picky eater, trying new foods can be a very unpleasant experience, and foods are often rejected. Those that are not picky, however, find this behavior preposterous, because "How can you NOT like this deliciousness I've set before you!?"  In an all too similar situation, we find ourselves when we try to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with non-believers. We know that we have a delicious platter that is filling and delightful to the taste, but they are unwilling to try it for themselves, and ultimately, reject it. The picky eater is absolutely sure that they will not like it – even though they have never tasted it.

As parents, our experience with picky children is: "Don't say that you don't like it until you've tried it!". This is precisely what King David was suggesting to the non-believer (and, even the believer) in Psalm 34 when he said, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Throughout the Psalm, David is praising the greatness of the Lord, whom time and time again had shown his mercy upon his life. He then places this 'delicious platter' before us and says, Try it! You'll like it! And those of us who have "tried it" have not only 'liked it', but we have fallen in love with the source of this goodness. It is natural that we would want others to have this same experience. Yet, some are convinced that they do not need to taste it to know that they will not like it, and they remain unfulfilled and unhappy. David goes on to say, "How happy is the person who takes refuge in Him.". Tasting God's goodness brings a happiness that cannot be replaced with earthly things. Jesus told the Samaritan woman, "But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again..."  (John 4:14).

Like David and many others in Scripture, we too, have the opportunity to experience first-hand, the goodness of the Lord. All we have to do is try it! We might just find that we like it.

Suggested Prayer:

Dear Lord, you are so good. I have tasted your goodness and I want more of it! I want others to taste it and be filled. Use me, Lord, to bring others to you, that they might see your joy overflowing in me and want to taste some of what I have to offer and that is You. In Jesus' merciful name, amen.

1. Psalm 34:8.