Is your favorite portion of Scripture where God gives Moses instructions for building the Tabernacle and designing the priests' garments? I bet it’s not. I force myself to read that
tedious stretch of Scripture. But yet, God gave it to us for a reason,
right? I’m sure there is much symbolism found in the specifics, but today I
focus on pomegranates. God told Moses to have pomegranates stitched to the trim
of the priests’ garments. You may also remember that when the spies scoped out the land, they returned with a single cluster of grapes that took two men
to carry and samples of figs and pomegranates. Later, God would decorate His
Temple with pomegranates. They are mentioned several times in Song of Solomon –
luscious and inviting. In the book of Joel, with God's judgement, they dry up along
with the grapes, figs, and the people’s joy.
Intriqued by these references to pomegranates, I researched the health benefits of eating them. They help
the cardiovascular system which impacts the heart and blood pressure. They
improve memory and reduce inflammation and fight cancer; they’re rich in
anti-oxidants. In the Bible, pomegranates seem to symbolize health, well-being,
and bounty (Shalom). After learning these things, I bought some pomegranate
powder and add it to my Greek yogurt and smoothies. I want a little Shalom in
my life, don’t you?
“Thank You, Lord, for the hidden treasures within your Word.
I appreciate Your desire to give us good things. May we never take it for
granted.”
joyce hague
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