The Menu Was Never the Meal

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-17 

“Therefore, don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day.These are a shadow of what was to come; the substance is Christ.   

Thoughts:   

The food and drink laws of the Old Testament were never meant to be the main course—they were the menu. They gave Israel a taste of holiness, purity, and dependence on God, but they couldn’t nourish the soul. They were shadows pointing to the One who truly satisfies. 

Christ is the feast. 

He is the Bread of Life. 

He is the Living Water. 

Everything the dietary laws hinted at—cleanness, separation from sin, dependence on God—became reality in Him. 

Think of the practice basket at the course. It’s helpful. It teaches rhythm, touch, and focus. But no one drives across town just to putt at the practice basket. It’s preparation for the real round. 

The food laws were the practice basket. 

Christ is the course—the real thing. 

Reflection #1 

Where am I still treating spiritual “practice baskets” like the main event instead of resting in Christ? 

Reflection #2 

What habits help me feast on Christ rather than nibble on shadows? 

Think on these things as we throw to the glory of God. 

Prayer 

Father, help me to see you in the things that are only to be shadows. May I truly trust in you who is the true substance. Thank you for saving my soul. 

In your name, I pray, 

Amen 

Contributed by  

Steve Franklin #194303