Sermon On The Cookhouse Of Life

Andrew Zimmern, an American chef and restaurateur, once remarked: "Everything happens in the kitchen. Life happens in the kitchen." John 21:9-13 reminds us: “When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish.”

A cookhouse is a dedicated, often small, detached building or specialized area designated for preparing meals. It is deeply and intrinsically related to both survival and morality, acting as a focal point where the necessity of sustaining life clashes with ethical principles. Its space may contain a selection of the best to the worst chefs in life that serve an assortment of dishes. Its basic purpose is to provide the acceptable foods of life that nourish, fill and sustain. Its “kitchen” is renowned and frequently described as the heart, laboratory, or core of life’s experiences. While it is said that the best professional chefs have the skills to prepare the most intricate and technically perfect meals, the "best meals" in life are often defined by comfort, simplicity, and emotional connection rather than technical mastery.

Life employs an array of food sources that may either please the taste buds or sour the tongue. Its palate is a person's ability to distinguish between and appreciate the different flavors that life may offer. God relates to its ingredients not just as an artisan of food, but as an active presence in the mundane, everyday tasks of life, often described as a space where "God walks among the pots and pans." The kitchen is viewed as a special sanctuary or a "little upper room" where, through acts of cooking, cleaning, and hospitality, one can encounter the fullness of the divine, nurture others, and find a deeper connection with the Creator. Within a theological and spiritual context, the concept of a "cookhouse," table, or similar gathering place is frequently interpreted as an invitation to intimate fellowship, communion, and therapeutic "dining" with God.

In Christian theology, "God's dining table" is a symbolic concept representing the provision, presence, and protection God offers to believers. It is not a literal piece of furniture but a metaphor for a relationship where God acts as a generous host, inviting everyone - especially the broken and marginalized - to find spiritual nourishment and community. God’s dining table is open to all, no matter where that may be located. Banqueting with God in the Bible signifies fellowship, covenant, and grace, ranging from Abraham hosting the Lord (Genesis 18) to the 70 elders eating in God's presence on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 24:11). Jesus frequently dined with sinners and tax collectors, and Revelation 3:20 promises fellowship to those who open the door. Genesis 18:1-21 details God’s visit to Abraham to reaffirm the promise of a son through Sarah, despite their advanced age, reinforcing that no dish is too difficult for the Lord to create. It highlights Abraham's hospitality, Sarah’s incredulous laughter, and God’s intention to reveal His judgment of Sodom, portraying Him as both promise-keeper and righteous judge.

The passage reminds us: “And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on - since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”