How does Deuteronomy 14:17 guide dietary choices for Christians today? Verse at a glance • Deuteronomy 14:17: “the little owl, the great owl, the white owl,” • Nestled in a larger list (vv. 11-20) of birds Israel was forbidden to eat What God told Israel • The list was literal and binding for Old-Covenant Israel • Purpose: – Mark the nation as distinct and holy (Leviticus 11:44-45) – Protect from potential health hazards carried by scavenger birds – Train hearts in daily obedience—every meal a reminder that God sets the rules What Christ changed—and what He didn’t • Jesus declared food itself cannot defile the heart (Mark 7:18-19) • Peter’s vision confirmed the change (Acts 10:12-16) • The Jerusalem Council placed no ongoing bird restrictions on Gentile believers, only basic safeguards (Acts 15:28-29) • Therefore, the specific prohibition in Deuteronomy 14:17 is no longer a salvation issue, yet the call to holiness and stewardship remains Timeless principles we can apply • Obedience: God still has authority over the dinner table; we honor Him by submitting our choices to His Word • Discernment: many unclean birds are scavengers; their omission still makes good sense for health • Stewardship: “your bodies are temples” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20); choose foods that preserve strength for service • Freedom governed by love: “Let no one judge you by what you eat” (Colossians 2:16-17), yet avoid needlessly offending a weaker conscience (Romans 14:13-15) • Gratitude: “Every creation of God is good…if received with thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 4:4-5) Putting it on the plate • Feel free to enjoy any bird Scripture does not forbid, giving thanks to God • Consider avoiding scavenger species (even if legal) as a practical nod to the wisdom behind the original law • Evaluate personal health, medical counsel, and local regulations before trying exotic meats • When dining with believers who hold to Old-Testament food laws, gladly limit your liberty for the sake of unity (1 Corinthians 10:31-33) • Whatever you eat or abstain from, “do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) |
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