By Rosie Moore

What is the first food mentioned in God’s Word? Most people know the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, which was full of fruit trees. They were told they could eat all the fruits–except the apple. Then Satan came long and tempted Eve to eat that apple, thus sin arrived in the world.

Another story concerning food was illustrated by the Israelites. They were happy to leave Egypt, but it wasn’t long till they were complaining. Not much rain had fallen in the wilderness they were traveling through and the wells and rivers dried up. Not many vegetables were growing. They complained to Moses, “we should have stayed in Egypt; at least we had plenty to eat there.” Moses told God about their complaints. God sent manna down to them every morning. It was something like a cracker; it didn’t make the Israelites fat, but they didn’t starve either.

Finally, they came to Canaan, the land of milk and honey, two very satisfactory foods. And not only that, there were a lot of bushes filled with a little green vegetable–or fruit–called the olive. The Israelites loved the olive, especially since they could suppress the oil from it and use it in many different ways. And, what did Jesus feed his 5,000 worshippers after they listened to his sermon in a field one sunny day? Why, fish, of course.

There is a group of people who don’t eat meat. I don’t judge them, that is their prerogative, but I firmly believe that God made certain animals for us human to eat. However, be careful. Don’t eat too much red meat, it isn’t good for you. Our bodies are temples for the Lord. Take care of them; eat foods that are good for you, lots of fruits, vegetables, and many different kinds of wholesome grains. It’s OK to have a big Mac once in a while, but don’t indulge in those fast-food places too often. I know it’s hard to eat sensibly but it’s for a worthwhile cause.

Back to the olive, which grows on trees, not bushes, and is a fruit, not a vegetable? Olive oil is one of the main ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine. The Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem is mentioned several times in the New Testament. The allegory of the olive tree in St. Paul’s epistle to the Romans refers to the scattering and gathering of Israel. It compares Israelites to a tame olive tree and the Gentiles to a wild olive branch. The olive tree plays an important role in the Bible.

How amazing that God, who does so much for His children, also has time to give them nourishing food? Take advantage of His thoughtfulness, and eat according to the Bible.

Someone asked me if I have as one-track mind. Last week I wrote about bread, now this week I’m writing about food in general, so I guess I do. But I’m not including a recipe this week.

Thought for the day: Truth is not always popular, but it is always right.    Anonymous

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