I’D Think Twice Before Eating Those Black-Eyed Peas And Cabbage...

[Eccl.12:13]

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I'm sure most have no idea why these two items, along with many more, are consumed on New Years day. But it’s been something that has been passed down for many generations. It's a tradition that has been observed for a very long time.


I'm sure all of these customs appear to be harmless, but the truth of the matter, is that they are ALL superstitions!!!

Let’s read what God’s word has to say about such things;

Deut.18
[9] When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.


Now let’s read some of the practices and people we are to avoid;

[11] Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
[12] For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

Now I know these were things told to those in the OT, but are we yet NOT to partake in such activites even today?



And here is what Paul said;

Acts 17
[22] Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.



Now let’s read the definition of a charm;

something supposed to bring luck: something carried or worn because it is believed to bring good luck or ward off evil

magic spell: a special phrase or rhyme believed to have magical powers

cast a spell: to affect somebody or something by, or as if by, the use of a supposed magic spell


Now just from what we have read, do you think God would approve of people who engaged in such activities? Of course not!

"Abstain from all appearance of evil."

Once again....all of these actions are what wiccans participate in even to this day! So instead of separating, once again, most have adopted!


But like I said, most are not even aware of the fact that they are even doing something superstitious. They simply do it because it is something their parents did, and their parents before them and even their parents before them. Well let’s find out what eating certain foods have to do with bringing in the New Year!

　

"Black-eyed peas, meant to represent coins, often are served with collard greens in the South, symbolizing dollars, so the dish is eaten to bring good luck and good fortune in the coming year"

"The Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune."

"Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency."

“In Germany, pretzels are a traditional good-luck food. Children even wear them around their necks on New Year's.”

“In Greek households, the lucky bread is vasilopita, a yeast cake that's associated with St. Basil's Day, also celebrated on Jan. 1.”

“The Cantonese eat oysters on New Year because their name in that language sounds like the word for "good business."

“Legumes are extremely popular when it comes to New Year's good-luck foods and can be spotted in many cultural feasts. Legumes in general are major good-luck items because of their shape, and they plump up, sort of fatten up and grow. Growth is also symbolic for the coming year."


These and many other foods are eaten on New Years day for the chance of “Good Luck” for the coming year.

Now does God want us to rely on the eating of certain foods or Him for our prosperity?

Like I said…..some are not even aware of the reasons these things are done. They do them out of tradition, but would God approve.


Think about it…..now that you know….what will you do on New Year?

Let’s just picture this;

Let’s just say Jesus returned at the stroke of midnight on New Year;

What would He find?

Home after home after home eating "black eyed-peas, cabbage and corned beef"!

Now how would you explain that?

If He asked you, "What is this custom you are partaking in?" What would you say?

If He asked, "Why do you do such things if you do not believe in them? What will be your reply?

If He asked, "Why are you eating things not normally eaten on THIS day of all days?" What would be your answer?


Don't forget now......you are about to answer a being that knows your every thought!!!!



Now that you know………..what will YOU say?

What will you do?



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[tomwebster]

Eccl.12:13,

:blink: :blink: I would eat corned beef and cabbage and offer Him some. It's best with a little wine vinegar. I would also have no trouble eating meat offered to idols.

 

[WhiteKnuckle]

For one, I'm not superstious. (Although i suspect some of my views of being punished/rewarded for actions are borderline) I also don't believe in Rapture. So I'm not concerned with Jesus returning on New Years Day.

I used to eat black eyed peas for New Years. I had heard it was for good luck all year. But, mostly it was a tradition that I carried from my mom. I thought it was a nice tradition such as eating turkey for Thanks Giving. It was also about the only time of year where I can eat black eyed peas as no one else in my home eats them.

If I were eating corned beef and cabbage I'd consider myself very fortunate. That's another food that's not eaten in my house. If I were to cook corned beef rest assured it would be for a Reuben sandwich.

If I were in someone elses house and they explained that they were cooking those for reason of good fortune all year and offered me some, I'd laugh and gladly fill a plate and we'd all enjoy some great food. Everyone I know also knows that I don't believe in superstitions.

However,,, If we're going to be going on about customs that mimic or come from pagan origins,,,,,

I might as well have to explain why I celebrated Christmas,,,, But, If Jesus came and specifically asked me why I'm eating certain foods on a certain day, I would ask him why he wasn't concerned about me celebrating Christmas. Then, I'd ask him why it's wrong for me to eat certain foods at a certain time.

I see your point, but the specifics are very limited and slightly hypocritcal.... No offense.

 

[Rach1370]

Me? I plan to be in bed at about 9pm on NYE!
And btw....cabbage? Who eats that anyway...nasty green stuff!

On a more serious note....brother, it's only pagan and superstitious if people eat these things and think to themselves "oh, I hope this brings me good luck, wealth or a nice car".
Any other time, even on New Years Eve, that people eat this food, it's just food. Food that God has given to the world. You're not talking of chocolate, or something man produced. You're talking of raw garden goods. God is a great and gracious God, thank Him for you meal, and then enjoy it, whatever it is, or when ever it is!

 

[HammerStone]

[bible=I Corinthians 8:4-6]
Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"-- yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.[/bible]

I'm not calling you weak by any means, but I know when I settle down to eat my black-eyed peas and collards (love both them and cabbage!), I'm not doing it expecting much more than a satisfied stomach. Quit worrying about what people eat, there are certainly more important things to contend with. I mean this as respectfully as possible.

 

[Eccl.12:13]

On a more serious note....brother, it's only pagan and superstitious if people eat these things and think to themselves "oh, I hope this brings me good luck, wealth or a nice car".

And that is the only purpose for this lesson. There are some that may not know that it is wrong, according to God's word, to be superstitious!

Eating any of these items in and of themselves will garner no wrong doing. But when done expecting luck or good fortune, is when the act becomes an abomination to the Lord!




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[Martin W.]

Eccl:12:13

You tend to see a devil under every stone , every morsel of food , and now black eyed peas.

You come across as an ultra-ultra-ultra Orthodox Jew mesmerized by thousands of Old testament laws and superstitions.

That is just fine with me , you cause me no harm by your beliefs.

Just please do not call it Christianity.

Thanks
Martin.

 

[TexUs]

Eccl:12:13

You tend to see a devil under every stone , every morsel of food , and now black eyed peas.

You come across as an ultra-ultra-ultra Orthodox Jew mesmerized by thousands of Old testament laws and superstitions.

That is just fine with me , you cause me no harm by your beliefs.

Just please do not call it Christianity.

Thanks
Martin.

Well said.

 

[Eccl.12:13]

So let me get this correct.....

The same bible that Jesus quoted from to His listeners is the same bible I quoted from.

Jesus made no comment saying that the bible was in error.

We, as "Christains", are to follow in Christ's shoes....in other words do as He would do!

So, in that respect, I quote from the bible where Jesus says we are not to have any dealings with charms or those that use them.

By doing so I am speading God's word to those that may not be aware that they are not to engage in such activities.

And yet there are those, at least two on this forum, the believes what I am doing should not be called, "Christianity" ?


Really?

Teaching those that may not know what is said in the word should NOT be called Christianity?

Well this is what God's word says man, ALL men, are to do.....


Luke 4
[4] And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

That would be New AND OLD Testaments!

2 Tim.3
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Again......ALL scripturres are to be used to teach, guide and correct!

2 Tim.4
[2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

That means even when it is not popular to do!




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[Duckybill]

Again......ALL scripturres are to be used to teach, guide and correct!

But that doesn't mean we must obey all Scripture.

 

[Eccl.12:13]

But that doesn't mean we must obey all Scripture.

WOW!!! Really?

And just WHICH scriptures are we not to obey? And WHO decides which scriptures are to be ignored? Just what part of God's holy word is so insignificant we can just toss it aside?

Which of God's laws are we NOT to obey?
Is there ANY part of God's Holy word that should NOT be taught?

Again....God's word says the following;

Matt.4
[4] But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Luke 4
[4] And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

Now that is pretty clear!

We are to preach ALL the word of God at ALL times. Here is something to consider. Let's read just how close it will be for the saints that are blessed to make it into God's kingdom;

1 Pet.4
[18] And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Now let's read just a few of those God considers righteous;

Heb.11
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Let's read those that died with a 'good report';

[4] By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice
[5] By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death
[7] By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet
[8] By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed
[23] By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents
[32] And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
[39] And these all, having obtained a good report through faith,

Now these are the saints, the righteous, according to God's word. All of these died with a "good report"! All of these will be in God's kingdom......and yet the scriptures says even these will, "...scarcely be saved..."

Just think about some of those names mentioned....Abraham, Moses, even David, a man after God's own heart, will just barely make it into God's kingdom.

So where does that leave us? Just what part of God's word should be over looked or ignored?


So tell me....just which part of "ALL" is it that should not be obeyed?

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[Nomad]

But that doesn't mean we must obey all Scripture.

I sincerely hope that I simply misunderstand what you mean by this. If not, it appears that the number of those Bible-disparaging, Bible-optional believers on this board is growing daily. This is very sad.

 

[Duckybill]

WOW!!! Really?

Yes, really. It should be quite obvious.

Leviticus 20:13 (NKJV)
[sup]13 [/sup]If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.

I sincerely hope that I simply misunderstand what you mean by this. If not, it appears that the number of those Bible-disparaging, Bible-optional believers on this board is growing daily. This is very sad.

Are you saying we are to execute adulterers and violators of the Sabbath as God commanded in the Law of Moses?

 

[Nomad]

Are you saying we are to execute adulterers and violators of the Sabbath as God commanded in the Law of Moses?

Like I said, I hope I misunderstand your statement. You could have avoided any confusion by certain qualifications. You could have pointed to the continued validity of the moral Law versus the temporary nature of the ceremonial and civil Law of Israel's Old Covenant theocracy. A little explanation goes a long way, but for some strange reason you left your statement as ambiguous as possible.

 

[Duckybill]

Like I said, I hope I misunderstand your statement. You could have avoided any confusion by certain qualifications. You could have pointed to the continued validity of the moral Law versus the temporary nature of the ceremonial and civil Law of Israel's Old Covenant theocracy. A little explanation goes a long way, but for some strange reason you left your statement as ambiguous as possible.

Considering that some here are saying we must keep commands that are only in the Law of Moses I figured some would understand.

 

[Eccl.12:13]

Let's make this simple....

God says this;

Deut.18
[10] There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
[11] Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

Now....is there anyone that thinks it is now OK for a person to practice such things?

Is there anyone that believes Jesus told any of His followers it's now alright to count on charms and consult wizards?

Just which bible do you think it was that Jesus taught from? It was from the ONLY one available.....the OLD TESTAMENT!!!



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[Duckybill]

There are no dietary restrictions in the NT.

 

[Eccl.12:13]

There are no dietary restrictions in the NT.

This lesson is about using items, ANY ITEMS, as charms!

God's word tells us we should NOT use charms!

So if FOOD is used as a charm, somthing that is to bring 'good luck', then we are NOT to participate!

There are some that use certain food items as charms, this we know for a fact.

Eating cabbage and black-eyed peas is not a sin.

Eating cabbage and black-eyed peas, or ANY food, on New Years day in hope that eating the food will bring good luck to you, your family or your household IS a sin!!!



God does not want us relying on anything but Him... "...Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

So please....but all means, do not stop your tradition of doing such things if you believe it is alright with God. I am not here to change minds. The only one that can do that is the Lord. I'm just letting those that may not know or understand, what God's word says about it! And again.....God's word says this....


Deut.18
[10] There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
[11] Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

So again....do as you please! You have a whole year to think about it!


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[TexUs]

Eccl, you mistakingly act like our traditions are still based on superstitions.
Did you know... That Birthdays are rooted in pagan traditions? And yet we carry them on. Is it for superstitious reasons? No. It's for tradition, for fun, for fellowship.

Same thing with new years. Eating black eyed peas might have been a superstition but does anyone still do it because of superstition? Or because of tradition? I've personally never heard of that one before, though.

Just which bible do you think it was that Jesus taught from? It was from the ONLY one available.....the OLD TESTAMENT!!!

Do you also suppose he taught them to sacrifice animals? Or do you suppose it was more like, "Here's the OT, here's how I fulfill this. Here's why you can never do this on your own, here I am to take the penalty you can't pay."???

In fact, we have an example of this in the Bible.

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

 

[Eccl.12:13]

Do you also suppose he taught them to sacrifice animals?

Actually.....until HIs death, He did!

"And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them."


Next;

"Here's the OT, here's how I fulfill this.

As we know, Jesus came to fulfill some of the OT, but all of the OT has not been fulfilled.


And concerning your statement;

Eating black eyed peas might have been a superstition but does anyone still do it because of superstition?

YES!! Yes.... there are still people that do these things, thinking their actions will bring blessings upon them and their family! I know families that really believe this!

And, as I have said, that is the purpose for this lesson. To let others know that, although it may seem harmless, this is frowned upon by God!


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