FOOD AND WATER IS FIGURATIVE AND LITERAL

 

WATER FLOWING FROM THE SANCTUARY

The amazing vision of Ezekiel included food and water as part of the Prophet’s message to the people; used to illustrate spiritual truth. "Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God." Ezekiel 1:1 

“And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.” Ezekiel 47:12. 

Then go to the last Book of the Bible.

"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." Revelation 22:2

Go to this source first. It is for physical and spiritual health and life: our hope, our comfort. We will not understand everything from the mind of God in the Bible, after all… "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9.

It grows on your spirit and soul... it grows you!

After a lifetime reading the Bible, it is coming! The continuity of the message of God to us, His people, is coming clearer, more vital, more fascinating. It is to me, about me, for me…and for you!

Since food is included in the Holy Word of God, then it is your option and my option to take it or ignore it. The food is highlighted! And what did Jesus mean? "...Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." John 6:35 is one place. John 6:51 is another. It is definitely a figurative example of the Spiritual nourishment. Is it also physical? As I research the value of whole grain bread, the value of water for hydration just as examples, it is spiritual and physical truth.

My personal experiment is to take the food in Scripture as a Spiritual truth and a physical recommendation.

OIL…OLIVE OIL MENTIONED

Watch out for new, mixed, saturated, hydrogenated and cheap oils. A check on the benefits and negative effects of different oils is eye opening.

"For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey..." Deuteronomy 8:7,8.

Ultimate blessings in food are repeated again and again in Scripture. Some, in ignorance, ignore the Old Testament today, we know that all Scripture is written for our "learning." From it we are blessed with patience and comfort.

 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4.

 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..." 2 Timothy 3:16.

A key to believing this from the Bible is that the Word of God brings comfort and hope. We can be ahead of the newest fads. The claims for "science" today are too often spoken of as the final “word.” In fact, science by definition is defined as testing and having the “burden” of proving a theory.

 Extra Virgin Olive Oil rubbed onto my skin morning and night; I have used for years. It is another natural beauty treatment.

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." Psalm 23:5.

OLIVE OIL IN SCRIPTURE

Repeated in the law for offerings to the LORD is fine flour and oil. “And if thy oblation be a meat offering baked in a pan, it shall be of fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil.” Leviticus 2:5 Oil is mentioned in Scripture one hundred and eighty-seven times. Olive oil is the only specific kind.

FINE FLOUR, OIL AND HONEY

The beautiful woman, adorned with gold and silver; her raiment, fine linen, and silk, and broidered work, and her food is also creating health .."thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and you were exceeding beautiful..." Ezekiel 16:13. Whole grain breads, cakes, crackers, pizza, and everything we love: make it with whole grain.

BENEFITS OF OLIVE OIL ACCORDING to https://www.healthline.com/

1. Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats

2. Olive Oil contains large amounts of antioxidants

3. Has strong anti-inflammatory properties

4. It may help prevent strokes

5. It is protective against heart disease

6. Not associated with weight gain

7. It may fight Alzheimer's Disease

8. It may reduce Type 2 Diabetes risk

9. The Antioxidants have anti-cancer properties

10. Can help treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

11. Has antibacterial properties

GOOD OIL AND HARMFUL OIL

OIL

Extra Virgin Olive Oil rubbed onto my skin morning and night; I have used for years. It is another natural beauty treatment.

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." Psalm 23:5. kjv.

OLIVE OIL IN SCRIPTURE

Repeated in the law for offerings to the LORD is fine flour and oil. “And if thy oblation be a meat offering baked in a pan, it shall be of fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil.” Leviticus 2:5

FINE FLOUR, OIL AND HONEY

The beautiful woman, adorned with gold and silver; her raiment, fine linen, and silk, and broidered work, and her food is also creating health .."thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and you were exceeding beautiful..." Ezekiel 16:13. Whole grain breads, cakes, crackers, pizza, and everything we love: make it with whole grains. 

OILS THAT CAUSE HARM

Ava Rockwell, founder of the School of Holistic Medicine, commented that any mixed vegetable oils or straight vegetable oils, such as corn, canola, or soybean, are terrible for you. 

“They cause awful inflammation and are implicated by a famous, now-retired heart surgeon who has 1,000 bypasses under his belt. He claims that sugar and refined vegetable oils are the real cause of heart disease,” she said. “They damage the arterial walls, leading to injury, causing the body to create layers of deposits to repair the damage.” Ava Rockwell - Certified Holistic Health Professional - Self-employed | LinkedIn

Fast-Food Fans May Face Liver Damage

Written by Megan Brooks

Jan. 13, 2023 – A new study that shows the harm to the liver of eating fast food might provide people with motivation to eat less of it in the new year.

https://www.webmd.com/

Partly hydrogenated oil

Partly hydrogenated oil is often part of processed foods and is the principal source of dangerous trans fats in a person’s diet, crediting the American Heart Association (AHA). 

“These synthetic trans fats are made in an industrial procedure that involves adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to solidify them.

Trans fats raise your LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol levels and lower your HDL (or “good”) levels and increase your risk of developing heart disease and stroke, per the AHA.

 

TRANS FATS

"Artificial trans fats (or trans fatty acids) are created in an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid."

"The primary dietary source for trans fats in processed food is partially hydrogenated oils. Look for them on the ingredient list on food packages. In November 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a preliminary determination that partially hydrogenated oils are no longer Generally Recognized as Safe.

“Trans fats are easy to use, inexpensive to produce and last a long time. Trans fats give foods a desirable taste and texture. Often restaurants and fast-food outlets use trans fats to deep-fry foods because oils with trans fats can be used many times in commercial fryers. Several countries (e.g., Denmark, Switzerland, and Canada) and jurisdictions (California, New York City, Baltimore, and Montgomery County, MD) have reduced or restricted the use of trans fats in food service establishments.”

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/trans-fat

According to LIVESTRONG.COM

Hydrogenated oil, more specifically partially hydrogenated oil, contains a type of man-made fat, called trans fat, that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Although once "generally recognized as safe," the FDA has declared that after January 1, 2020, no food manufacturers are allowed to add partially hydrogenated oils to their foods. https://www.livestrong.com/

What Are Trans Fats?

Because trans fats affect both of your major cholesterol markers negatively, the Mayo Clinic describes them as "double trouble" when it comes to your heart health, and Harvard Health Publishing calls artificial trans fats, like those made when partially hydrogenating vegetable oil, "the worst fats you can eat."

A report published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences in April 2016 adds that diets high in trans fats have been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing dementia. https://www.nyas.org

In addition to lowering your good cholesterol while also increasing your bad cholesterol, trans fats also contribute to chronic inflammation and increase your risk of developing blood clots. Together, all of these factors contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, some of the leading causes of death in the United States. “These synthetic trans fats are made in an industrial procedure that involves adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to solidify them. https://www.health.harvard.edu; https://www.mayoclinic.org

“STRENGTHEN YOUR BODY, YOUR HEART…”

 Courageously living and moving every day the best you can, that is the “next step.” Living wisely with the growing knowledge you understand now, takes thought, planning and initiative. This is “being aware of our numbered days.” It is a prayer in Psalm Ninety: “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12).

An exercise program that is yours and personal, a pursuit of health and beauty, this is a sideline that you will sooner or later enjoy: "According as his divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge...;" (2 Peter 1:3,5).

In the big picture, life is short. But when we are alert to the things that help us to become all God created us to be we help ourselves. Our lives take on a sense of adventure.

“Keep your heart with all diligence…” this is physical and spiritual.

“Now they that run in a race, run all, but one receives the prize…so run that you may obtain.” (I Corinthians 9:24). It refers to your physical and spiritual challenges. Here is a picture of an active person spiritually and physically.

I did not know that when our son, Zach, challenged me to write about health, that the Bible would reveal such a powerful comparison between the physical and spiritual wellbeing of our lives and that one describes the other: it powerfully deepens the application of Scripture to your life.

HEART, LUNGS, CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Aerobic conditioning strengthens your cardiovascular system. This means moving so that your heart rate quickens. It is the process of your heart and lungs processing oxygen through your physical body. It does not have to be grievously hard: begin easily. If you are a healthy person, all you need do is add to the usual moving in your day. Making exercise a regular thing, you are gradually growing in endurance and strength. More, you will find that exercise helps your mood, your sense of wellbeing, your confidence, and your strength. You confidently realize, “I am doing this!” It is possible in most circumstances to continue to be, stay and grow strong. Even as you age, there are important reasons to continue and never stop.

When we were married only about six months, my husband bought Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s book, Aerobics. It has been for all these years the catalyst for knowledge, inspiration and know how. It was an excellent and medically sound introduction to serious exercise. Eric began training on his own, following Dr. Cooper’s approach. His wife, Mildred Cooper wrote a sequel, “Aerobics for Woman.” I learned about her writing through Eric’s study from Dr. Cooper. I had just had our first son, and was not even beginning to think of exercise, when Eric’s example stirred me. Mildred Cooper’s writing and experience changed my life. My younger sister and I began walking, and then jogging before daylight, with our firstborn still sleeping and before Eric took off for work across town.

The benefits have come over time…your whole life is influenced. Walking, jogging, biking, and any exercise that elevates your heart rate (in a controlled program) and makes your lungs work will change how you look and feel. This along with whole grains and good foods are going to strengthen your heart, give you confidence and improve your life. "Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23.

Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s book and Bicycling Magazine equipped both of us and later our family bicycle rides for safety and Rules for the Road.

Figurative and literal truth come together and teach us a broad and practical way to invest our lives.

THE SIMPLE, THE GOOD, THE THOUGHTFUL

We mindlessly go through the drive thru. Again. And again. Spending our money on that which is tearing down the God given body that is beyond our scope of understanding in its ability to think, digest, walk, run, its organ processes: one body per life, one life per person. This body: our gift from God that is priceless in value. Why the fast food? It is the taste, it is a habit, it is quick and cheap and we don’t have to think, but all that can change on a dime. You care.

God cares. “Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfies not? hearken diligently to me, and eat that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” Isaiah 55:2. 

There is satisfaction waiting:

"Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:5.

What is good? Does God mean it? If there is good, there is bad. Anything manipulated by man, watch out for! Trans fats, corn syrup…

“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” Genesis 1:29. You can know that these are health building.

THE BAD IS AROUND US

Devitalized bread, pasta, pastry with bleached and devalued flour, fast food with unhealthy ingredients; most often it contains hydrogenated oil, trans fats, white sugar, corn syrup and chemical additives. For long shelf life, economy, and the “bottom line,” money, not your health is the goal of many large food industries. Prepackaged dinners, cakes, and pastries with white flour, hydrogenated oil, corn syrup and white sugar. All of these are hurting our health, fattening us, shortening our lives, heading us toward diseases: heart problems, cancer, diabetes. Why do we crave this diet? Is it just fast and easy? Is it addictive? Is it thoughtless?

Then, the question again: What is good? God said that He satisfies us with good things so that our youth is renewed.

BEYOND HABIT AND TASTE

There is a spiritual lesson for us in water and food that is highlighted throughout the Bible. Good food and water that we need for physical health most often has spiritual meaning. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” He is telling us about eternal life which He offers. Physically, healthy whole grain bread is lifegiving. "...bread which strengthens man's heart." Psalm 104:15.

Jesus stood and cried…” If any man thirst, let come unto Me and drink…” it is spiritual “living water.” “He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38.

Fascinating that God’s Creation has amazing illustrations about our relationship with Him through water and food.

 

In this chapter: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WATER, OIL, SALT, BUTTER, MILK AND HONEY