languages | Coffee in the Rain

JusJoJan 11 January 2022

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” (Revelation7:9 NIV)

Heaven is going to be cosmopolitan. People from every culture and language group will be there.

South Africa is known as “The Rainbow Nation.” We are a very diverse people. We have eleven official languages. Each different language group has a different culture and different food preferences.

I have realised that I am a very fussy eater. Afrikaner hospitality may include “potjiekos” (meat and vegetables cooked in a three-legged pot over hot coals for a couple of hours) and “braaipap” (A stiff maize porridge eaten with meat and a sauce) Let’s just say, they are not my favourites. My friends at work used to know that very spicy food burned my tongue. When my Indian friend used to bring eats, she always made a portion of “extra mild” for me but even so, my tongue felt like it had encountered paint stripper.

Some cultures in South Africa enjoy mopane worms and chicken feet. It’s true I have never tried a mopane worm, but I don’t feel inclined to.

We have been taught there will be a banquet in heaven. At the last supper, Jesus said, “I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29 NIV)

And again, from Revelation, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”(Revelation 19:( NIV)

With such a cosmopolitan throng in heaven, what food will be served at the banquet? Will I even like it? It’s something I am just going to have to leave to the Lord. I am sure it will be just perfect for everybody present.