Recently I heard the phrase, “What am I? Chopped liver?” I remembered that this expression is ordinarily reserved for a feeling of being dismissed or not important. The reason is chopped liver is served as a side dish and not as a main. It can also refer to “chicken giblets” food set aside for pets. When adults use it, it can mean someone who feels belittled or ignored by others.

I can almost hear a frustrated Yahweh using it  as he considers his rocky relationship with his chosen people. In annoyance over yet another disobedient act Yahweh exclaims “What am I? Chopped liver?” 

Yahweh, a most patient God, who time and time again forgives his chosen people for their unfaithfulness. Yahweh, a loving God, who mends their many fractures from laziness and inattentiveness with his mercy and compassion can easily say to his chosen people: “What am I? Chopped liver?”

It’s not that Yahweh is a God who craves attention. That’s not what exasperates him. It’ s that his chosen people seem to lack appreciation for the help he quickly provides when they ask.  Over time Yahweh has won wars for them, crumbled walls around enemy cities, delivered them from famines and droughts, and brought them safely home from horrifying exiles in faraway lands. Afterwards, Yahweh supported them in rebuilding their towns and cities.

Time and time again when his people ask a favor Yahweh has made good. And still they leave Yahweh with that chopped liver feeling. He doesn’t get so much as a two word thank you. Walking away in disbelief, Yahweh feels his chosen people lack gratitude.

I wonder if Jesus feels this way about his followers. Jesus who was born to heal our relationship with his father without counting the personal cost. Jesus, who soon after his birth, became an immigrant to hide himself from his enemies. Jesus, who preached the message that he is our way, our truth, and life, especially the gift of eternal life in heaven.  Does our response delight Jesus or convey that same chopped liver response? 

Yet Jesus promises to do more for his followers than what he does for a tiny mustard seed.  And we know that with sun and rain that tiny seed becomes the largest tree whose branches house countless birds. Jesus promises that when wheat flour and yeast are mixed together, they become bread. If we eat the bread from heaven that Jesus brings, we will live with him forever. 

If we love God and show him that love by the way we love others, God will take the small and the weakness in us and do great things through us for others.  Then delighted, God turns our small acts into great acts of praise confirming with certainty that God is definitely not chopped liver, but our caring and loving God.