There are many who insist that "pork today is different from pork in Biblical times." Well, that's not true! Pork is still pork and God said the pig is NOT a "clean" animal - period. Why? Because as outlined in Leviticus, there are certain criteria to follow.
Leviticus 11:2 "Tell the people of Isra'el, 'These are the living creatures which you may eat among all the land animals: 3 any that has a separate hoof which is completely divided and chews the cud - these animals you may eat. 4-6 But you are not to eat those that only chew the cud or only have a separate hoof. For example, the camel, the coney and the hare are unclean for you, because they chew the cud but don't have a separate hoof; 7 while the pig is unclean for you, because, although it has a separate and completely divided hoof, it doesn't chew the cud. (CJB)
Take a really close look at these verses and ask "What is it about these animals which differentiates them?"
Do you see it? Clean edible animals only eat grasses! They are distinguished by a completely split hoof and chewing the cud! All others eat meat (or junk - the pig for example)! Same goes for carnivorous birds and sea life designed to clean the ocean or river floors....
Yahweh was clear from the beginning about what we could and couldn't eat. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 provide a list of animals that are not to be eaten as food; and included in this list of "unclean" foods are some of man's favorites: pork, shrimp, lobster, crab, catfish, squid, rabbit, squirrel, etc. - things that were meant to be the "garbage disposals" of the world! The New Testament, on the other hand, seems to indicate that God changed His mind somewhere along the line:
MARK 7:18 And he said to them, "Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?" (Thus he declared all foods clean.)
A footnote in the Aramaic English New Testament provides insight:
This chapter showcases one of the greatest discussions of oral versus written Jewish law that exists in these writings of the Renewed Covenant. In many ways this presages the heated exchanges that would be recorded in the Talmud some 200 years later. However, a major misunderstanding of this verse found its way into the modern translations with the parenthetical comment "in so doing Y'shua declared all foods clean."
Neither Aramaic nor early Greek manuscripts include this in the text, which is clearly an attempt by Gentile or Christian editors to abandon Torah's dietary laws. The point being established is that if you plot things like murder, lies, adulteries and so forth, then why be concerned about the food you eat, when weightier things are making you much more unclean than your food? Even if a person kept a perfectly kosher diet, but had such unclean thoughts, such a one would rank among the most unkosher of people. See Luke 11:40.
Yaweh created us, and give us healthy living instructions to live by. And his Word is so detailed- as you addressed, so again, we are without excuse if we mix the bad things in our diet. I get that I am not yet perfect in all my diet choices, but my personal experience of giving up pork and shellfish, was easier than I thought with prayer, and concern to obey and not sin.
ReplyDeleteAbout three years ago, when I was led to call on the name of Yaweh and Yeshua, and gather on Sabbath and appointed Feasts, I learned about the 'misinterpretation' of unclean foods for present times. I accepted I sinned out of ignorance, and moved forward to no longer eat unclean foods.
My proof that giving these things up changed my life quickly for the better is (1) I lost 10 lbs without even trying, hence healthier (2) it reduced my debt- lobster costs 4X more than a healthy steak, fried shrimp costs more than vegetable tempura and (3) when I'm dinning with others, it provides an opportunity to share my Torah beliefs- I keep it simple "I can enjoy fin fish, but I avoid shellfish- that were created to keep the waters clean, [I heard 1 one oyster filters 50 gallons of water a day].
However, sadly I report, that when I do dine with family and friends - that I already answered them why I changed my diet according to scripture instructions- they still order the lobster and/or shellfish. And, if this is a test for me- glad to report, going on 3 years saying no.
I have said "try this - if you stop eating pork and shellfish for a year, you may lose up to 10 lbs and you'll feel healthier for sure", to date, no takers to change. Oh well, I spoke the truth.
Thank you so much for your beautiful testimony! It's amazing how quickly we can fall into the "holy eating" habit, once we decide to follow YHWH! It's not really that hard. And yes, it IS an excellent way to start a conversation and witness at the same time!
DeleteCongratulations on your willingness to do things HIS way! May He richly bless you for it.
Then there's the chicken, which, like the pig, will eat almost anything! Yet chicken is not forbidden. That's always confused me somewhat, lol.
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