It was a simple invitation. “We’re having a fish BBQ Saturday night and
want you to come.” My wife, Joyce, and I
were in Belize for a meeting when our friend, Liz, extended the gracious
invitation. We asked what we could
bring, insisting that we could not show up empty-handed. Liz finally allowed us to pick up some paper
plates and cups and some soft drinks. We
were looking forward to the evening, but didn’t really know what to
expect. Little did we realize that we
were about to experience an unforgettable Belizean banquet with Biblical
implications!
We were told to arrive at 7:30, but in
Belize that means anytime between 7:30 – 9:00.
Being the punctual Americans we are, Joyce and I arrived at 7:30 on the
dot---only to find no one else there, except two men working the grills. They had three of these big barrel grills
fired up and it was evident they were doing some serious grilling. We introduced ourselves and discovered that
these two gentlemen were our hosts for the evening. Their names were Paul and Sepp and their
accents told me that they were not from Belize, or Kansas, or Davidson
County.
These guys were from Austria and every
summer they travel to Belize with their families for a month of fishing and
laid-back living. They fish for a week
and then invite friends, neighbors, cousins, and strangers to come and share in
the bounty. Paul and Sepp were grilling
fish kabobs, fish balls (nuggets of snapper, grouper, and barracuda wrapped in
bacon), pork, chicken, and pineapple bites.
Liz and her family supplied the salads and sides. It was a feast of epic
proportions!
Joyce and I were the only two “Gringos”
at the celebration. But everyone went
out of their way to welcome us, take care of us, and make us feel like
family. We watched in amazement as over
the next hour or so, people began to wander in and join the party. There were young people, old people, small
children, teenagers, elderly men and women, and families. There were people from every walk of life,
every culture, language, social standing, and economic level. Paul and Sepp announced that the food was
ready, but rather than people rushing to the front of the line, everyone
insisted that someone else go first.
We sat down to enjoy some of the best
seafood I have ever tasted, but more importantly we enjoyed some of the richest
fellowship I have ever known. We talked,
laughed, and told stories. Everyone was
making sure that we had enough to eat and drink. Joyce had cookies for the children and one by
one they came to take a cookie and without exception, said a heart-felt thank
you. Everyone was so kind, so authentic,
so gracious, and so welcoming.
In the midst of the joyous revelry, I
had a true revelation. This is why the
Bible talks about a banquet and feasting when it describes eternal joy. I looked around at the incredibly diverse
gathering. Most of the people who were
with us that night will never know the level of living that we take for
granted. Very few of those people will
ever venture out of Belize. Their way of
life would be so very difficult for most of us to endure. And yet, they shared in a joy and fellowship
that night that so many of us, who have all the luxuries of life, long to
experience. It didn’t matter if one was
young or old, rich or poor, educated or illiterate; on that night we were one,
big, happy family.
The prophet Isaiah talked about a feast
on the mountain of the Lord with the finest foods, with vintage wines, a seven
course meal and lavish gourmet desserts.
And on this mountain God will banish the pall of doom hanging over all
peoples. He will banish death forever
and wipe all the tears away from every face.
(Isaiah 25: 6-8—The Message)
I had always pictured a big banquet
table in heaven that would be set with exquisite china, crystal, and silver,
but now I have a different image in my mind.
I see a happy group of diverse people all gathered around picnic tables
while some big barrel grills are smoking incredible delicacies. Children will
be laughing and playing, old men will tell stories and young people will share
their exuberance. And something tells me
that Paul and Sepp will be there, welcoming all of us to this heavenly banquet. You better Belize it!
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