In our journey of faith, we often reflect on the wonders of God’s creation, including the creatures of the sea. The Bible speaks of how God created all things, and this includes various types of seafood. It’s important for us to appreciate that seafood is part of God’s intricate design, and acknowledging it can lead us to a deeper gratitude. We can find comfort knowing that His provisions are diverse and delicious, enriching our lives with variety. As we eat seafood, we can remember that it is part of God’s good creation, meant to be enjoyed and respected.

“And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:20-21

“There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number – living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.” – Psalm 104:25-26

“The beasts of the field will honor me, the jackals and the owls; because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen.” – Isaiah 43:20

“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!'” – Revelation 5:13

“He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” – John 21:6

As we delve into the topic of seafood, it's essential to consider the Jewish dietary laws that guide what we should eat. The Old Testament outlines specific regulations regarding clean and unclean animals, including seafood. Many of us may wonder how these laws relate to our practices today. Although we may not observe these dietary restrictions in the same manner, they can remind us of the importance of what we choose to consume. Embracing the concepts of health and holiness can help form our understanding of eating seafood and how we may think of seafood today.

“These you may eat of all that are in the waters: everything in the waters that has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers, you may eat. But anything in the seas or the rivers that does not have fins and scales is detestable to you.” – Leviticus 11:9-10

“Of all the creatures living in the water, you may eat any that has fins and scales. But anything that does not have fins and scales, you may not eat; for you it is unclean.” – Deuteronomy 14:9-10

“It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”” – Acts 10:12-15

“Are you so dull? He asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)” – Mark 7:18-19

“I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.” – Romans 14:14

We can see that seafood plays a significant role in the life of Jesus and the disciples. Many of us find inspiration in the moments when Jesus shared meals, including those which featured fish. These accounts aren’t just about eating; they are about fellowship, provision, and divine miracles. They remind us that Jesus made space for all traditions, while showing us His generous heart in sharing food with others. This reinforces our belief that sharing meals, including seafood, can bring us closer together and closer to God.

“They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.” – Luke 24:42-43

“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people.” – Mark 6:41

“And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.” – Matthew 14:19

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” – John 6:9

“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” – Matthew 17:27

As we read the scriptures, we find that seafood is often depicted as a blessing from God. We learn the value of recognizing food as a gift, including the abundance found in the oceans. Understanding seafood as a blessing encourages us to express gratitude whenever we partake in its delicious varieties. The joy of eating seafood can be a moment of thanksgiving in our lives just as it was in biblical times, helping us to acknowledge God’s continued provision for us.

“Nevertheless, you may slaughter your animals in any of your towns and eat as much of the meat as you want, as you would for the gazelle or deer, according to the blessing of the LORD your God, which he has given you. The unclean and the clean may eat of it, as of the gazelle and of the deer.” – Deuteronomy 12:15

“The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” – Psalm 145:15-16

“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” – 1 Timothy 4:4-5

“That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:13

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17

In scripture, we witness incredible miracles involving seafood that serve as a reminder of God's power and provision. Whether it was Jesus feeding the multitude with fish or the miraculous catch of fish, these miracles showcase God's ability to provide abundantly, even from the depths of the sea. These stories encourage us to trust in God's incredible capability to meet our needs and to be open to the blessings that seafood brings into our lives.

“When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.” – Luke 5:6-7

“Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many, the net was not torn.” – John 21:11

“And they all ate and were satisfied. And the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” – Matthew 14:20

“They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” – Luke 9:17

“They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of leftovers.” – Matthew 15:37

Eating together is a powerful act, especially when it comes to sharing delicious seafood. In the Bible, sharing meals symbolizes community and fellowship. Partaking in seafood as a communal activity fosters connections and strengthens bonds. This practice encourages us to create spaces for sharing our meals, whether it’s involving fish or other types of seafood, reminding us of the love and unity we share as a family or congregation. Let’s consider how we can bring a sense of togetherness into our lives through our seafood feasts.

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” – Acts 2:46

“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.” – Luke 24:30

“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” – 1 Corinthians 10:16

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” – Matthew 26:26

“Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left.” – Acts 20:11

Seafood, as part of our meals, holds a unique place in blessing. The Bible reminds us that food brings nourishment and joy, reinforcing our reliance on God's provision. When we consume seafood, we can perceive it as a gift that brings us sustenance and pleasure. It’s an opportunity for us to express our gratitude and bless our meals, making the experience deeper and more meaningful. Thus, every fish dish we enjoy can be a reminder of God’s blessings in our lives.

“Give us today our daily bread.” – Matthew 6:11

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

“The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.” – Proverbs 12:27

“Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest.” – 1 Corinthians 9:10

“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.” – Psalm 37:25

Finally, let us focus on the joy that seafood brings to our tables and lives. Eating seafood can be a delightful experience that promotes enjoyment and celebration. The Bible shows us that food, including seafood, is a source of joy and a means of connecting our hearts to others. By sharing seafood, we create memorable experiences and express our love and happiness with those around us. This joy can remind us to celebrate life’s blessings and foster deeper relationships.

“A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God.” – Ecclesiastes 2:24

“Wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.” – Psalms 104:15

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

“Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.” – Luke 15:23

“Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.” – Proverbs 15:17

As we reflect on the abundant references to seafood in the Bible, we recognize that it serves both a dietary and spiritual purpose in our lives. We have learned that seafood not only nourishes our bodies but can also enrich our spirits. Through gratitude for these provisions, the miracles connected to seafood, and the warmth of shared meals, we see how God’s love comes alive on our tables. May we carry this understanding into our everyday lives, cherishing seafood as a divine blessing that fosters connection, joy, and gratitude amongst us.

In considering these scriptures, we acknowledge the rich tradition surrounding food, especially seafood, in our lives and communities. As we gather around meals, may we remember to appreciate God’s lavish gifts and express joy in every bite and every moment shared with others.

Let’s continue to celebrate life with thankful hearts, and as we enjoy seafood together, let’s not forget to honor God with our gratitude and fellowship.