The Willow Tree

Bible Reading: Psalm 137

Key Verse: Verse 2 – "“We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof."

Key Words: We hanged our harps upon the willows 

The willow tree represents the tree of lost joy.  The psalmist was talking about Israel.  He was talking about the day they hung their harps in the willow trees and gave up hope.  It would be like a preacher putting his Bible on a shelf and saying, “I give up!”

Have you ever hung your harp upon the willow tree?  Have you ever said you were not going to sing anymore or play anymore?

It seems as though the writer of this Psalm is writing during a time of captivity, the captivity has led them to hang their harps and lose their joy.  But there is no doubt, no matter what the reason, they have lost the joy of their salvation.

Where is joy found?

Not in unbelief – Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type.  He wrote: “I wish I had never been born.” 

Not in money – Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of money.  Yet when on his deathbed he said: “I suppose I am the most miserable devil on earth.”

Certainly joy is not found in infidelity to God!  Thomas Payne cried out during his last moments: “O Lord, help me!  God, help me!  Jesus Christ, help me!”  Voltaire said, “I am lost!  I am lost!  Oh, that I had never been born!”  Colonel Charterius is reported to have said, “I would gladly give 30,000 pounds to have it proven to my satisfaction that there is no such place as hell.”

Joy is not found in pleasure.  Lord Byron, who reveled in pleasure all his days, wrote on his last birthday: “My days are in the yellow leaf.  The flowers and fruits of life are gone.  The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone!”  He was twenty-five years old when he wrote that!

J. Wilbur Chapman wrote: “In church last Sunday I noted a small child who was turning around smiling at everyone.  He was not gurgling, spitting, humming, tearing the hymnbooks apart, or rummaging through his mother’s purse.  He was just smiling.  Suddenly his mother jerked him around, and in a stage whisper that everyone could hear, said, ‘Stop grinning.  You’re in church.’  With that she gave him a slap on his hindside, and as the tears rolled down his cheeks she added, ‘That is better,’ and returned to her prayers.  If you cannot grin in church, where can you be happy?”

So the next time you hear of the willow tree, remember it is the tree of lost joy.  That need not be. 

                                                                                                             Dr. Mike Rouse

What to do:

✞For the believer, sin and joy never run together.  Sin and worldly fun are cohorts, though; and we should know the difference

The Sycomore Tree

Bible Reading: Luke 19:1-10

Key Verse: Verse 4  - “And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way."

Key Words: and climbed up into a sycomore tree 

The sycomore trees in the Middle East were and are often planted by the roadside.  They are planted there because they offer shade and protection from the weather to the traveler.

The trees can grow quite large depending on the soil and moisture.  The wood of the sycomore tree was often used for fire and carpentry.  While it is not as abundant as it was in Jesus’ day, you can still find many sycomore trees along the roadside of the Holy Land.

In Zaccheus’ time it was a tree that allowed him to see Jesus as His Savior.  D. M. Stearns was preaching in Philadelphia.  At the close of the service a stranger came up to him and said, “I do not like the way you spoke about the cross.  I think that instead of emphasizing the death of Christ, it would be far better to preach Jesus, the teacher and example.” 

Stearns replied, “If I presented Christ in that way, would you be willing to follow Him?” 

“I certainly would,” said the stranger without hesitation. 

“All right then,” said the preacher, “let’s take the first step.  He did no sin.  Can you claim that for yourself?” 

The man looked confused and somewhat surprised.  “Why, no,” he said.  “I acknowledge that I do sin.”

Stearns replied, “Then your greatest need is to have a Savior, not an example!” 

                                                                                    Dr. Mike Rouse 

What to do: 

      ✞If you have never accepted Jesus as your Savior, do so today.

      ✞Every time you read about or hear about the sycomore tree, praise God for your salvation.

The Juniper Tree

Bible Reading:   I Kings 19:1-8

Key Verse: Verse 4 - “But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down   under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O   LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers."

Key Words: and came and sat down under a  juniper tree 

The juniper tree is the tree of despair.

Have you been under the juniper tree of despair?  I am sure the answer for each of us is a resounding yes!  The problem is not when we sit under the juniper tree of despair.  The problem is when we pitch our tent there.  Despair is the product of focusing on our self rather than on God and others.

We need to be optimistic about our situation rather than be pessimistic.  A pessimist finds a problem in every opportunity while an optimist finds an opportunity in every problem.

During his days as President, Thomas Jefferson and a group of companions were traveling across the country on horseback.  They came to a river that had left its banks because of a recent downpour.  The swollen river had washed the bridge away.  Each rider was forced to ford the river on horseback, fighting for his life against the rapid currents.  The very real possibility of death threatened the riders, which caused a traveler who was not part of their group to step aside and watch.  After several had plunged in and made it to the other side, the stranger asked President Jefferson if he would ferry him across the river.  The President agreed without hesitation.  The man climbed on, and shortly thereafter the two of them made it safely to the other side.

As the stranger slid off the back of the saddle onto dry ground, one in the group asked him, “Tell me, why did you select the President to ask this favor of?” 

The man was shocked, admitting he had no idea it was the President who had helped him.  “All I know,” he said, “is that on some of your faces was written the answer ‘No,’ and on some of them was the answer ‘Yes.’  His was a ‘Yes’ face.”

So let me challenge you, do not spend your life under the juniper tree of despair, invest your life in others for God’s glory. 

                                                                             Dr. Mike Rouse

What to do: 

       ✞Do not camp under the juniper tree of despair.

      ✞Invest your life in others for God’s glory.

      ✞Every time you think of a juniper tree, remember victory not despair.

The Oak Tree

Bible Reading:   I Kings 13:1-32                                

Key Verse: Verse 14 - " And went after the man of   God, and found him sitting under an oak: and he said   unto him, Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he said, I am.”

Key Words: and found him sitting under an oak 

The oak tree is symbolic of disobedience!! 

The Bible declares that the donkey stood right there with the lion, and the lion did not even try to eat the donkey.  The donkey and the lion stood looking at this dead preacher that the lion had killed.  It was then that the prophet came and took the old dead preacher and put him on his donkey and took him back into town and put his body into a strange tomb.

As you read the story of the young man of God, it becomes very clear that he disobeyed God (verses 16-17).  The principle is that disobedience will always lead to destruction.

If you will remember, it was Absalom who disobeyed the command of God to honor his father; and as a result, his hair was caught in an oak tree, which eventually led to his death.

The oak tree is symbolic of disobedience!!

In the Houston Zoo in Texas you might find an unusual phenomenon.  Although you pay to see and learn about animals, the alligator exhibit can tell you much more about people.  In every other cage you do not find a large display of scattered coins.  You see normal habitat, as you might expect, without a spattering of loose change.  So why is there frequently money in with the alligators?  Is it because there is water, and people seem enamored with throwing pocket change into water? 

There are other exhibits with plenty of water, but they do not have all the nickels, dimes, and quarters.  The reason for this abundance of money stems from a sign by the alligators.  As you read to learn more about these interesting creatures, the zoological society presents a reminder not to throw money into the water, as it only takes one coin, digested by an alligator, to kill the huge reptile.  To the chagrin of the zoo staff, coins are often thrown all around the alligators.  Whether it is coins in the alligator pit or just one tree in a garden called Eden, sinful man has a tough time obeying the rules. 

                                                                            Dr. Mike Rouse 

What to do:

      ✞When you think of the oak tree, remember the importance of obedience to God. 

The Mulberry Tree

Bible Reading:  II Samuel 5:17-25

Key Verse: Verse 24 - “And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the   Philistines."

Key Words: in the tops of the mulberry trees

In our key verse, we see God advising David – do not move until you hear from Me; but when you hear the sound in the mulberry trees, that is your queue to move.  So the mulberry tree is the tree of awareness.  David was aware of the presence of God by the moving of the mulberry trees.

For some, their mulberry tree is a hospital bed; but for others, it is a revival meeting; still to others this mulberry tree may be standing in front of a casket.  But the mulberry tree is the tree of being aware of God’s presence.

A number of times in my forty-five years in the ministry, I have been keenly aware of the presence of God, but never more so than when we buried my grandson on April 17, 2004.  Our family could have never made it through such a trial if it were not for the presence of God.

One Christmas Eve the telephone rang in the office of the Pastor of a church in Washington, DC.  “Tell me, Reverend,” the voice inquired, “are you holding a Christmas Eve service tonight?”  When advised that there would certainly be a service that evening, the caller asked, “And do you expect President Roosevelt to attend your church tonight?” 

“That,” explained the Pastor patiently, “I cannot promise.  I am not sure about the President’s plans for the evening.  But I can say that we fully expect God to be in our church tonight, and we feel secure in the knowledge that His attendance will attract a reasonably large congregation.”

My prayer for you is that you desire the presence of God in your personal life, in your home, and in your church more than you desire anything else. 

                                                                            Dr. Mike Rouse 

What to do:

✞Remember the mulberry tree and the presence of God.

The Cassia Tree

Bible Reading:  Psalm 45

Key Verse: Verse 8 - "All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad."

Key Words: and cassia 

The cassia tree grows ten to fifteen meters tall.  It has grayish bark and elongated leaves that are ten to fifteen centimeters long and reddish in color.  Cassia is a close relative to the cinnamon.  Did you know that most of the spice sold as cinnamon in the United States and Canada is actually cassia?

Cassia is mentioned in the Bible on three occasions.  While it is a tree or plant that grows in the Mediterranean region, it is primarily grown and harvested today in China and Viet Nam.  The cassia tree is associated with a sweet smell and is symbolic of righteousness (Psalm 45:7).

The other day I jumped in my car and was heading to make a visit at the hospital.  As I sat down in the car seat, I thought I smelled – well, a not-so-pleasant odor.  I looked around but I could not see anything that would be causing such a stench.  Eventually I became used to the odor, and it did not bother me anymore until I got out of the car and walked in the fresh air and went into the hospital.  When I came back and got back in the car, there was again a distinct odor. 

This went on for a couple of days until eventually I could no longer take it.  I began an all-out search for the culprit causing such a horrendous smell.  Finally, I saw it!  There it was – a baby bottle filled with milk (sour, corroded milk).  It looked and smelled as if - well, you get the idea.  Not only did I get rid of the bottle, I put one of those sweet-smelling car fresheners in my car.  You see, it was not enough to simply put a car freshener in the car; I had to first get rid of the cause of the odor.

When we get rid of sin and replace it with that sweet smell of righteousness, our heart can then produce a sweet smell again.  So the next time you think of cassia, think of the sweet fragrance of righteousness.

                                                                                Dr. Mike Rouse 

What to do:

✞Get rid of the sin in your life and replace it with some cassia, the smell of righteousness.

Cinnamon and Appeal

Bible Reading:  Proverbs 7:1-20

Key Verse: Verse 17 - “I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon."

Key Words: I have perfumed my bed with ...cinnamon 

It is believed that cinnamon is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.  Cinnamon is a good source of Vitamin K which helps prevent blood clotting and is a very good source of dietary fiber and manganese.

It is very obvious from our text that cinnamon is used as a perfume for drawing appeal as well.  Now cinnamon itself is not bad, it just depends on what we use it for.

It is said that visitors at Niagara Falls often have their attention called to a certain cliff over the boiling current below where a young lady some years ago lost her life.  She was delighted with the beautiful scene and eager to pluck some wild flowers from a cliff where no human hand had ever ventured.  She climbed the cliff and grasped the flowers; but as she gazed down upon the surging waters below, she became dizzy; and with a wild shriek she plunged like a falling star to her death below.

Now, the flowers were not the problem, her desire was the problem.  Our craving for things we should not crave will always lead us to destruction.

A pastor once told the following.  “My friends, the other day I was going down the street and saw a drove of pigs following a man.  My curiosity was aroused, and I decided to follow him.  This I did, and to my surprise I found he was leading them to the slaughterhouse.  I asked the man how he managed to get them to follow him.  The man answered, ‘Oh, did you not see that I had a basket of beans under my arm, and I continued to drop them along, and so they followed me?’  So it is with the devil.  He is dropping his bait, which may look and taste good to the sinner, but it will lead him to hell.”

So the next time you see, taste, or smell cinnamon, remember to keep your cravings under God’s control.  

                                                                                 Dr. Mike Rouse

What to do:

      ✞Get God’s wisdom from His Word, not this world!

Flax and Protection

Bible Reading:  Joshua 2:1-8

Key Verse: Verse 6 - " But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of  flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof."

Key Words:  and hid them with the stalks of flax 

Flax is said to be rich in antioxidants.  It also provides fiber, is believed to assist the body in fighting against cancer- in particular breast cancer, and tests have shown that flax has positive benefits in fighting against such things as Crohn’s Disease and colitis.  Flax is also said to help heal the inner lining of an inflamed intestine.

But in our text it is very obvious that flax was used by Rahab to hide the two Israeli spies.  Flax was used as protection.

Lorrie Anderson, missionary to the head-shrinking Candoshi Shapra Indians of Peru, was looking for a quiet place for her daily time of Bible reading and prayer, so she went down by the edge of the river.  After reading her Bible, she took up her prayer list.  Eyes closed, she did not see the deadly anaconda weaving through the water until it struck, burying its fangs into her flesh.  It withdrew its fangs only to strike again.  Then just as suddenly as it had struck, the deadly anaconda slithered off.  While Lorrie was being treated, a witch doctor from a nearby village burst into the room where Lorrie was and stared at her.  The witch doctor could not believe that Lorrie had survived the attack.  It seems that the witch doctor had chanted to the spirit of the anaconda that morning and had sent the snake to kill the young missionary. 

“I am certain,” Lorrie said, “that except for the protection of God, it would have worked.”

So the next time you hear or see or even eat some flax, think about the protection of God. 

                                                                            Dr. Mike Rouse 

What to do: 

      ✞Let flax remind you of God’s protection.

Pannag and Our Spirit

Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 27:1-25

Key Verse: Verse 17 – "Judah, and the land of Israel, they were thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm."

Key Words:  Pannag 

Pannag is not a familiar word in our vocabulary.  In the Hebrew it means pastry.  No doubt it was a dessert.  Although it is only mentioned once in the Bible, it was evidently popular because merchants traded for it.  The pannag reminds us that a sweet spirit goes a lot further than does a bitter spirit.

Bruce Goodrich was being initiated into the cadet corps at Texas A & M University.  One night, Bruce was forced to run until he dropped – but he never got up.  Bruce Goodrich died before he even entered college.

A short time after the tragedy, Bruce’s father wrote this letter to the administration, faculty, student body, and the Corps of Cadets:  “I would like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of my family for the great outpouring of concern and sympathy from Texas A & M University and the college community over the loss of our son, Bruce.  We were deeply touched by the tribute paid to him in the battalion.  We were particularly pleased to note that his Christian witness did not go unnoticed during his brief time on campus.”

Mr. Goodrich went on:  “I hope it will be some comfort to know that we harbor no ill will in the matter.  We know our God makes no mistakes.  Bruce had an appointment with his Lord and is now secure in his celestial home.  When the question is asked, ‘Why did this happen?’ perhaps one answer will be, ‘So that many will consider where they will spend eternity.’”

So would you not agree that the sweet spirit of Bruce’s father accomplished more than being bitter ever could?  So the next time you think of a sweet pastry, think of a sweet spirit.  It goes a lot further than a sour spirit ever could. 

                                                                                        Dr. Mike Rouse 

What to do: 

      ✞Every time you eat a pastry, I trust you will think of pannag and having a sweet spirit.

The Mustard Seed and Faith

Bible Reading: Luke 17:6-19

Key Verse: Verse 6 – " And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto   this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey   you.."

Key Words: If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed 

~

There are two primary types of mustard seeds, white and black (or brown).  The primary type of mustard seed that grew around Jerusalem would have been the black mustard seed.  The soil and temperature were and are conducive for the mustard tree to grow.

There is little question that from reading our text, the mustard seed is attached to faith.  A mustard seed is about the size of a grain of fertilizer.  The principle is that a small amount of faith can accomplish a lot.  But make sure your faith is in the right person: Jesus Christ.  You see, the source of your faith is extremely important.

In April 1988 the evening news reported on a photographer who was a skydiver.  He had jumped from a plane along with numerous other skydivers and filmed the group as they fell and opened their parachutes.  As the film shown on the telecast, and as the final skydiver opened his chute, the picture went berserk.  The announcer reported that the cameraman had fallen to his death, having jumped out of the plane without his parachute.  It was not until he reached for the absent ripcord that he realized he was freefalling without a parachute.  Until that point, the jump probably seemed exciting and fun.  But tragically, he had acted with thoughtless haste and deadly foolishness.  Nothing could save him, for his faith was in a parachute never buckled on.  Faith in anything but an all-sufficient God can be just as tragic spiritually.  Only with faith in Jesus Christ dare we step into the dangerous excitement of life.

                                                                                    Dr. Mike Rouse 

What to do: 

            ✞The next time you see or taste mustard, ask yourself, “Am I living by faith?” and “Who is the object of my    faith?”

 

The Olive and Family

Bible Reading: Psalm 128

Key Verse: Verse 3 - " Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive    plants round about thy table."

Key Words: thy children like olive plants 

Olives are said to be a concentrated source of monounsaturated fats and a good source of Vitamin E.  The olive is also said to have significant anti-inflammatory properties.  It is also said to help protect from heart disease, and it helps assist in protection from gastro-intestinal infections.  The olive may also assist in helping those with asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. And it may also help aid women in the intensity of hot flashes due to menopause.

From a spiritual perspective, there are three things we know about the olive plant.  First of all, it clings.  A husband and wife should cling together.  Secondly, it climbs.  The family should grow together.  Thirdly, it clusters: a clear reference to children.  The olive reminds us of the family.

I read the following and found it interesting.  I believe you will as well. 

In 1947, sociologist and historian Carle Zimmerman, in his book Family and Civilization, compared the disintegration of various cultures with the parallel decline of family life in those cultures.  He found eight specific patterns of domestic behavior that typified the downward spiral of each culture he studied.

1.      Marriage loses its sacredness and is frequently broken by divorce.

2.      The traditional meaning of the marriage ceremony is lost.

3.      Feminist movements abound.

4.      Increased public disrespect for parents and authority in general.

5.      Acceleration of juvenile delinquency, promiscuity and rebellion.

6.      Refusal of people with traditional marriages to accept family  

          responsibilities.

7.      Growing desire for and acceptance of adultery.

8.      Increasing interest in and spread of sexual perversions and sex-             related crimes.

This was in 1947, and it is still true today.  The key for the survival of the family is a close relationship with the Lord.  So the next time you see or hear about the olive, remember the family and in particular, the family’s relationship with God!

                                                                         Dr. Mike Rouse 

What to do: 

✞Remember, the olive reminds us of the family.

Wheat and Salvation

Bible Reading:  Matthew 13:24-30

Key Verse: Verse 25 – " But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and   went his way "

Key Words: and sowed tares among the wheat

We are told that the consumption of wheat is necessary for a healthy metabolism.  We are also told that wheat helps prevent breast cancer, gallstones, high cholesterol, asthma, and heart risk; and it is an essential food for women to help in the area of gastro-intestinal disorders.  It is believed to help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.  It is rich in Vitamin B6, niacin, thiamine, folate, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid.  It also contains Vitamins E and K.

It is obvious from reading our text that wheat is symbolic of those who are genuinely born again; and the tares symbolize those who are pretenders.  They profess to be saved but have no possession of Jesus Christ.

Now this raises a question, have you ever asked Jesus to be your Savior?

During the Spanish-American War, Clara Barton was overseeing the work of the Red Cross in Cuba.  One day, Colonel Theodore Roosevelt came to her and wanted to buy food for his sick and wounded Rough Riders. Clara refused to sell him any.  Roosevelt was perplexed.  His men needed the help, and he was prepared to pay out of his own funds. 

When he asked those around why he could not buy the supplies, he was told, “Colonel, just ask for them.”  A smile broke over Roosevelt’s face—now he understood!  The supplies were not for sale.  All he had to do was simply ask, and they would be freely given.

Have you ever asked for Jesus to save you?  He will, and it is a free gift as well.

So the next time you see or taste of wheat, thank God for your salvation.

                                                                                        Dr. Mike Rouse 

What to do:

      ✞Let wheat remind you of your salvation, and thank God for it daily 

Onions and Tears

Bible Reading:  Psalm 126

Key Verse: Verse 6 – " He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come   again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Key Words: He that goeth forth and weepeth

Did you know that onions are low in calories?  Onions have only about thirty calories per serving.  Onions have no sodium or fat and are cholesterol-free.  The onion provides fiber, Vitamin C, B6, potassium, and other key nutrients.  Onions also contain generous amounts of quercetin.  Quercetin is believed to help protect against cataracts, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.  In addition, onions contain a variety of other natural occurring chemicals known as organosulfur.  Organosulfur has been linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

If you have ever sliced an onion, you know that tears and onions seem to go together.  Before you can reap the good of the onion, you have to experience the tears.

Have you ever considered the following: the sound and reason for crying changes, but never does it stop.  All infants do it everywhere—even in public.  By adulthood, most crying is done alone and in the dark.  Weeping, for babies, is a sign of health and evidence that they are alive.  Isn’t this a chilling omen?  Not laughter, but tears are the life sign.

So the next time you are slicing that onion and tears start to flow, remember that tears, not laughter, are a sign of health and life

                                                                                                    Dr. Mike Rouse 

What to do:

      ✞When you see or taste an onion, remember that   tears are a sign of life. 

The Anise Plant

Bible Reading:  Matthew 23:17-39                           

Key Verse: Verse 23 – “Woe unto you, scribes and   Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other     undone."

Key Words: anise 

The anise plant is an herbal, aromatic plant.  Every part of the plant is used as a food source: the bulb, the leaves, the seeds, and the root.

The therapeutic vines of the anise plant have been known since ancient times.  The anise plant enhances man’s strength, cures insomnia, and stimulates the appetite. Anise contains Vitamins B1 and B2, C, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, iron, and aromatic essences.  As a food, anise is used for cooking sweet and spicy dishes.

In the Bible, the anise plant is a picture of tithing (see Matthew 23:23).  So when you think of the anise plant, think about tithing.

A church was trying to pay for a new building over a period of three years.  They asked the church members to pledge how much money they would be willing to give for the new building over the next three years.  A poor washwoman belonged to the church.  She sent in her pledge card with a commitment of $468.00 (this was back when a dollar was a dollar).  The pastor and the deacons just couldn’t believe she could give so much so they went to see her. 

They told her, “We know that you love the Lord and want to help with the new building, but you cannot afford to give $468 in three years to the building program.  All you do is wash clothes to make a living.” 

She replied, “No, I figured it up.  I wash three places a day, but I have got another place I can wash.  I have turned it down because I have been so tired, but I have decided to do it for the next three years.  I am going to give that extra money to the building program.”  Then she continued, “Do not cheat me out of this privilege!”  So instead of doing three washes a day in the neighborhood, she took four and she called the fourth “the Lord’s wash.”  Imagine how much more we could do for the Lord if we had the commitment of this woman!

So when you think of the anise plant, think about your financial commitment to God. 

                                                                        Dr. Mike Rouse 

What to do: 

      ✞Remember the anise plant and giving…and remember, you cannot out-give God. 

The Barley Fields

Bible Reading:  Ruth 2:4-23

Key Verse: Verse 23 – "“So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.”

Key Words: to glean unto the end of barley 

Did you know that barley is a member of the grass, or poaceae family, and is primarily a cereal grain?  It was once one of the only major staple food sources in Israel.

There are various types of barley available, which include whole barley, hulled barley, pearled barley, as well as barley flakes.  Barley contains copper, phosphorus, and zinc.  It is also rich in fiber and has been known to lower high blood cholesterol.  Barley also contains calcium and iron.  It contains zero fat and zero cholesterol.

If you will remember in John 6:9-10, in the story of the lad with five loaves and two fish, the loaves of bread were five barley loaves.  Barley was known as the bread of the poor.  The point being that God can use even the poor and lowly to accomplish His will when they surrender their lives to Him.  The answer for the poor is not bread, but Jesus.

A little over a century ago, Leo Tolstoy tried puzzling out a plan to rid Moscow of the poor and homeless.  The famed novelist and wealthy aristocrat first went to the worst hovels in town and gave money to beggars.  He realized, however, that he had been “cheated by men who said they only needed money to buy a railway ticket home” when he would spot them still in town days later.  Next, Tolstoy spent several months helping take the Moscow census, searching for the “truly” needy.  But Tolstoy saw the homeless could not be helped merely by “feeding and clothing a thousand people as one feeds and drives under shelter a thousand sheep.”  At last, he sadly concluded, “Of all the people I noted down, I really helped none…  I did not find any unfortunates who could be made fortunate by a mere gift of money.”  Jesus truly is the answer.  As we meet the physical needs of the homeless, let us give them the bread and water of life, which will truly set them free.

The next time you see barley bread, think of how Jesus can use you if you will only surrender your will to do His will. 

                                                                                    Dr. Mike Rouse 

What to do:

      ✞Remember that barley is the poor man’s bread, and the next time you see or eat barley bread, remember that God can use you.