Title November 2020

The term “ears of grain” refers to the top part of a cereal plant where the seeds grow. In wheat, this is the spike that forms at the top of the stalk. In corn, it is the cob that holds the kernels. Biblically, the “ear” is not the entire plant or fruit, but the specific part that produces seed or fruit.

In the Bible, ears of grain often symbolize provision, harvest, and spiritual growth. Jesus used agricultural metaphors like this frequently to teach about the Kingdom of God (Mark 4:28-29).

In the ancient Middle East, it was a common practice to eat raw grain, especially wheat. This was not considered unclean or unhealthy. Even today, some cultures still consume raw or lightly processed grain. However, before eating it, the grain had to be rubbed or threshed to remove the outer husk (chaff), leaving the edible kernel.

Biblical Law on Eating from Another’s Field

God, in His compassion and concern for the poor and the traveler, gave Israel a law allowing hungry individuals to pluck grain by hand from a neighbor’s field—but forbidding them from harvesting it with tools or carrying it away.

Deuteronomy 23:25 (NIV)
“If you enter your neighbor’s grainfield, you may pick kernels with your hands, but you must not put a sickle to their standing grain.”

This law balanced mercy with respect for ownership. It reflected God’s provision for those in need, while also protecting the labor and harvest of the landowner.

Jesus and the Disciples Eating Grain on the Sabbath

This Old Testament law is the background for an important New Testament event. One Sabbath, Jesus and His disciples were walking through a grainfield. The disciples, being hungry, began to pick and eat some of the grain.

Luke 6:1 (ESV)
“On a Sabbath, while He was going through the grainfields, His disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands.”

The Pharisees saw this and accused them of breaking the Sabbath, interpreting their actions (plucking and rubbing) as reaping and threshing, which was forbidden by their strict Sabbath rules (Exodus 20:8-10).

In response, Jesus reminded them of David, who, when hungry, ate the consecrated bread—lawfully reserved for priests—demonstrating that human need can take precedence over ceremonial law.

Luke 6:3–5 (NIV)
“Jesus answered them, ‘Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.’”

Theological Insight: Mercy Over Sacrifice

Jesus emphasized that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27). This means that God’s laws are meant to serve life and promote love, not to be used as tools of judgment and legalism. His disciples were not stealing—they were doing what the Law allowed (Deuteronomy 23:25), and Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath, had authority to define true Sabbath rest.

Can We Apply This Today?

Does this mean we can walk into someone’s field today and take their fruit or crops, such as sugarcane or oranges, without permission?

Not quite. The command in Deuteronomy was given within the theocratic society of Israel, where such laws were widely known and respected. Today, most of us live in pluralistic societies with different legal systems, and many people do not follow God’s Word.

While the principle of compassion and provision remains, we are also called to live wisely and peacefully among others (Romans 12:18). Taking something from another’s field today without permission could lead to legal consequences or conflict. So the better path is to ask for permission, showing humility and love.

Additional Scriptures on “Ears of Grain”

Mark 4:28–29 (NIV)
“All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

This parable teaches about the gradual growth of the Kingdom of God—from the planting of the Word to the full maturity of faith in the believer.

Genesis 41:5–7 (ESV)
“And he fell asleep and dreamed a second time. And behold, seven ears of grain, plump and good, were growing on one stalk. And behold, after them sprouted seven ears, thin and blighted by the east wind. And the thin ears swallowed up the seven plump, full ears.”

Here, the ears of grain in Pharaoh’s dream symbolized seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. This shows how God can use natural imagery to communicate His plans and call for preparation.

Leviticus 23:14 (NIV)
“You must not eat any bread, or roasted or new grain, until the very day you bring this offering to your God. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live.”

This command reminds Israel to honor God with the firstfruits before partaking in the harvest, showing gratitude and dependence on Him.

Also see:
Matthew 12:1 (NIV) – Jesus defends His disciples again in a parallel account.
Mark 2:23 (NIV) – Another retelling that reinforces Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath.

Shalom – Peace be with you. May God give you wisdom, provision, and understanding as you walk in His Word.

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Acts 3:1–2 (NKJV)
“Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple.”

1. The Beauty of the Temple and Its Gates

The temple in Jerusalem was not just a place of worship—it was a holy and majestic structure, representing the dwelling place of God among His people. It was built with the finest materials and adorned with gold, cedar, and precious stones.

1 Kings 6:20–22
“The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty wide, and twenty high. He overlaid it with pure gold and also overlaid the altar of cedar. So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold… and he overlaid the whole altar that was by the inner sanctuary.”

This beauty was recognized even in Jesus’ time:

Luke 21:5
“Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said,
‘These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.’”

The temple had many gates, but one was so visually impressive that it earned the name “Beautiful.” Historical records, such as those by the Jewish historian Josephus, suggest it may have been the Nicanor Gate—made of fine Corinthian bronze and larger than the others—situated between the Court of the Gentiles and the inner courts. Its splendor made it a prime place for beggars to sit, hoping for charity from worshipers entering the temple.

2. The Significance of the “Beautiful Gate”

Symbolically, the gate represents access—entrance into the presence of God. The lame man sat at this gate daily, physically near God’s house but spiritually and physically helpless. This is a picture of humanity: close to religion, near truth, but without transformation unless God intervenes.

When Peter and John healed the man in Acts 3, it wasn’t just a miracle—it was a sign of the coming kingdom and the power of the name of Jesus.

Acts 3:6–8
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’ And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up… and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.”

The man entered the temple walking, leaping, and praising God—a picture of restored fellowship and new spiritual access through Jesus Christ.

3. The Temporary Glory of the Physical Temple

Though the gate was beautiful, Jesus foretold the destruction of the entire temple:

Luke 21:6
“The days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

This prophecy was fulfilled in 70 A.D. when the Romans destroyed the temple. All its splendor—including the Beautiful Gate—was reduced to rubble.

This destruction reminds us that no matter how grand earthly religion or buildings may appear, they are temporary. Only Christ, the true temple (John 2:19–21), remains forever.

4. Jesus: The True and Eternal Gate

While the temple gate was called “Beautiful,” it was merely a shadow of the true gateway to life—Jesus Christ Himself.

John 10:9–11
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”

Jesus is the Beautiful Gate of Heaven—not made of bronze or gold, but opened through His sacrifice. He doesn’t just grant physical healing; He gives eternal life and abundant spiritual restoration.

5. Have You Entered Through the True Gate?

Like the lame man, many people today may be “sitting” at the edge of spiritual truth—close to church, religion, or morality—but still without salvation. The good news is that Jesus is calling. He is the gate. If you enter through Him, you will find forgiveness, restoration, and eternal life.

John 14:6
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

If you haven’t yet received Jesus as your Savior, today is the day. He is the gate to eternal life, and He welcomes you in.

Want to enter through Him now? You can pray a sincere prayer of repentance and begin a new life with Him.

May the Lord bless you and lead you through the Gate that never fades—Jesus Christ.

Understanding Our Place in the Body of Christ

Blessings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Welcome as we explore what the Bible teaches about humility and spiritual responsibility in the Church.

Romans 12:3 (NIV) sets the foundation:

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”

Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reminds believers that all spiritual gifts and roles in the Church are given by grace—not earned or achieved. Grace (Greek: charis) here refers to God’s unmerited favor, and it applies both to salvation and to the gifts we are entrusted with. We are not to overestimate ourselves or assume positions or abilities God has not assigned to us. Instead, we are to evaluate ourselves with “sober judgment”—a humble, balanced self-assessment guided by faith and truth.

So what kind of pride is Paul warning against?

He explains further in the next verses:

Romans 12:4–8 (NIV)

“4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

This metaphor of the Church as a body (also used in 1 Corinthians 12) shows that diversity of function is essential to unity and health. Not everyone has the same calling. Trying to take on every role or believing we must operate in all spiritual gifts is not only unrealistic—it shows spiritual immaturity and a lack of understanding of God’s design.

For example, one might be called to evangelize, but may also desire to be a prophet, teacher, apostle, and pastor all at once. This kind of overreaching stems from spiritual pride, which Paul directly opposes. God never intended for one person to carry every ministry role. That is why He distributes gifts as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11).

When we try to elevate ourselves beyond our calling, pride takes root, and humility is lost. Pride is not just a character flaw—it is spiritually dangerous.

1 Peter 5:5 (NIV) says:

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.

The Greek word for “oppose” here (antitassō) means to actively resist. God Himself stands in opposition to those who are proud. On the other hand, He gives grace—empowerment and favor—to those who walk in humility.

Furthermore, spiritual gifts are not a platform for status, competition, or comparison. The moment we begin to use them to showcase ourselves rather than to serve others, we have missed the heart of God’s purpose.

Ephesians 4:11–12 (NIV) outlines God’s intent for giving ministry roles:

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

The fivefold ministry exists not for self-promotion, but for equipping, edifying, and strengthening the Church. Spiritual gifts should never be about who is more anointed or respected, but about fulfilling God’s mission in unity.

A Final Call to Surrender

If you haven’t yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, now is the time. The door of grace is open, but it will not remain so forever. Jesus will return—suddenly and without warning—to take His Church.

When the final trumpet sounds (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17), only those who are in Christ will be caught up with Him. Those left behind will face God’s judgment.

Hebrews 9:27 (NIV) reminds us: 

“People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”

This life is where we make the decision between eternal life and eternal separation from God. After death, the choice is final.

Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV) says:

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”

Hell is real, and so is heaven. Salvation is available now—through faith in Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6). Don’t delay. Turn to Him today.

Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus

In biblical times, people used units of measurement that were based on everyday objects and human body parts, like the hand, arm, or foot. These units played important roles in construction, rituals, offerings, and trade. Here’s a summary of some key biblical measurements, their modern equivalents, and where they appear in Scripture.

1. Length Measurements

Used for measuring height, distance, and size—especially in construction of sacred objects and buildings like Noah’s Ark, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Temple.

• Cubit (Dhiraa) – Approx. 0.5 meters (about 18 inches)
  A cubit was the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.
  Bible Reference: “This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits…” (Genesis 6:15)

• Span (Shubiri) – Approx. 22.2 centimeters (about 9 inches)
  The distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger with the hand spread out.
  Bible Reference: “You have made my days a few handbreadths…” (Psalm 39:5, ESV)

• Handbreadth (Mkono) – Approx. 44.7 centimeters (about 17.6 inches)
  Used in describing dimensions of the altar and other objects.
  Bible Reference: “And the altar hearth shall be four cubits high, and from the altar hearth shall extend upward four horns.” (Ezekiel 43:15, often translated from multiples of handbreadths)

• Fathom (Pima) – Approx. 1.8 meters (6 feet)
  Common for nautical use in the New Testament.
  Bible Reference: “They took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms…” (Acts 27:28)

• Reed (Mwanzi) – Approx. 2.7 meters (about 9 feet)
  Used in vision measurements, like in Ezekiel’s temple vision.
  Bible Reference: “He measured the wall—it was one reed thick and one reed high…” (Ezekiel 40:5)

2. Dry Volume Measurements

Used to measure grain, flour, and other dry goods—especially in offerings and trade.

• Cab (Kabi) – Approx. 1 liter
  Bible Reference: “A donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung…” (2 Kings 6:25)

• Omer (Pishi) – Approx. 2 liters
  The daily portion of manna per person.
  Bible Reference: “Each one is to gather as much as he needs—an omer for each person…” (Exodus 16:16)

• Ephah (Efa) – Approx. 22 liters
  A common measurement for offerings and trade.
  Bible Reference: “You shall have just balances, a just ephah…” (Leviticus 19:36)

3. Liquid Volume Measurements

Used to measure oil, wine, and water, especially for ritual use in the tabernacle or temple.

• Log – Approx. 0.31 liters
  The smallest liquid measure in the Bible.
  Bible Reference: “…with a log of oil, he shall wave them for a wave offering…” (Leviticus 14:10)

• Hin – Approx. 3.67 liters
  Used for measuring oil or wine in offerings.
  Bible Reference: “…with a grain offering of one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil.” (Exodus 29:40)

• Bath – Approx. 22 liters
  A larger measure used in bulk trade or temple service.
  Bible Reference: “Ten baths make a homer, for ten baths are a homer.” (Ezekiel 45:14)

• Kor (or Cor) – Approx. 220 liters
  Large measure used in royal or commercial records.
  Bible Reference: “Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty cors of fine flour…” (1 Kings 4:22)

• Homer (or Homeri) – Approx. 208 liters
  The largest dry or liquid measure, used in mass storage.
  Bible Reference: “You shall give one-sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat…” (Ezekiel 45:13)

4. Weight Measurements

Important for weighing silver, gold, offerings, and currency.

• Shekel (Shekeli) – Approx. 11.42 grams
  Standard unit of silver or gold used in trade and offerings.
  Bible Reference: “Each one… shall give a half shekel…” (Exodus 30:13)

• Beka – Approx. 5.7 grams
  Half a shekel, used for the temple tax.
  Bible Reference: “A beka a head (that is, half a shekel)… for the service of the tent of meeting.” (Exodus 38:26)

• Gerah (Gera) – Approx. 0.57 grams
  A very small unit, 1/20 of a shekel.
  Bible Reference: “A shekel is twenty gerahs…” (Exodus 30:13)

• Mina – Approx. 570 grams
  Larger weight used in commercial contexts.
  Bible Reference: “Your mina has made ten minas more.” (Luke 19:16)

• Talent (Talanta) – Approx. 34.2 kilograms
  The heaviest biblical unit of weight, often used symbolically to show great value.
  Bible Reference: “To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one…” (Matthew 25:15)

Denarius (Dinari) – Approx. 3.85 grams
A Roman silver coin, equivalent to a day’s wage for a laborer.
Bible Reference: “A denarius for a day’s wage…” (Matthew 20:2)

be blessed.

Question: What did Jacob do with Laban’s flocks that caused them to multiply so much compared to his uncle’s?

When we study the Bible, we see that after serving his uncle Laban for 14 years, Jacob desired to become independent and provide for his own family. At that point, Laban asked what he could give Jacob in return for his years of service.

Since Jacob had been tending Laban’s flocks—and through him, God had blessed Laban with prosperity—Jacob requested a portion of the livestock. He proposed that any animals born with spots, speckles, or dark colors would be his wages. Laban, confident in the natural breeding patterns of his flocks, agreed, believing that the outcome would be either impossible or extremely unlikely.

Thus, they made an agreement: Jacob would take only the spotted, speckled, and dark-colored animals, while Laban would keep the rest. To ensure they would not mix, they even separated their flocks by a three-day distance.

However, Jacob then took a rather unusual approach. Let’s examine what he did:

Genesis 30:35-43 (NIV):

“That same day he removed all the male goats that were streaked or spotted, and all the speckled or spotted female goats (all that had white on them) and all the dark-colored lambs, and he placed them in the care of his sons. Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob continued to tend the rest of Laban’s flocks.”

“Jacob, however, took fresh-cut branches from poplar, almond, and plane trees and made white stripes on them by peeling the bark and exposing the white inner wood. He placed the peeled branches in all the watering troughs, so they would be directly in front of the flocks when they came to drink. When the flocks were in heat and came to drink, they mated in front of the branches. And they bore young that were streaked, speckled, or spotted.”

“Jacob set apart the young of the flock by themselves but made the rest face the streaked and dark-colored animals that belonged to Laban. Thus he made separate flocks for himself and did not put them with Laban’s animals. Whenever the stronger females were in heat, Jacob would place the branches in the troughs in front of the animals so they would mate near the branches, but if the animals were weak, he would not place the branches there. The weak ones remained with Laban, and the strong ones became Jacob’s.”

Jacob’s method involved using branches that were peeled to reveal their white inner bark, which he placed in the watering troughs where the flocks gathered. Jacob believed that if the animals saw these branches during mating, it would influence the color of the offspring. However, the Bible does not specify why Jacob thought this would work, nor does it suggest that this was a scientifically sound method. Theological understanding would suggest that Jacob’s actions, though appearing as clever strategy, were secondary to the sovereign will of God.

The Bible shows that it was not Jacob’s ingenuity that caused the animals to breed in this way, but the blessing and intervention of God. This is confirmed later in the text when Jacob reveals to Rachel that God was behind his success.

Genesis 31:7-12 (NIV):

“Your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God has not allowed him to harm me. If he said, ‘The speckled ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks gave birth to speckled young; and if he said, ‘The streaked ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked young. So God has taken away your father’s livestock and has given them to me.”

“In breeding season, I lifted up my eyes and saw in a dream that the male goats mating with the flock were streaked, speckled, or spotted. The angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ I answered, ‘Here I am.’”

In this passage, Jacob reveals that it was God who gave him the vision and strategy for his prosperity. The angel of God appeared to Jacob in a dream, confirming that God was actively involved in his success. The reality is that it was God’s blessing and intervention that caused Jacob’s flocks to multiply, not the physical methods Jacob used.

• God’s Sovereignty and Blessing: The story demonstrates that while human effort and creativity are part of life, it is ultimately God who grants success and blessings. Jacob’s cleverness in placing branches in front of the animals did not determine the outcome; it was God’s sovereign will that caused the animals to produce offspring according to the agreement Jacob had made with Laban.

Faith and Divine Intervention: Even though Jacob employed a method he thought might work, the Bible shows that it was God’s divine intervention that made it successful. This reminds us that our success or failure is not solely based on our own efforts, but on God’s grace and blessing.

In Psalm 127:1 (NIV) it says, “

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”

Our hard work is important, but without God’s blessing, it ultimately amounts to nothing.

God Provides According to His Will: Jacob’s prosperity was not just about his hard work; it was about God’s covenant faithfulness. In Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV), God reminds the Israelites that it is He who gives the power to get wealth: “

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”

God had promised to bless Jacob, and this promise was being fulfilled, not through Jacob’s methods, but through divine intervention.

Application to Our Lives:

This story teaches us that when God desires to bless us, no amount of human effort can hinder His will. Jacob’s success came not from his own cleverness but from God’s gracious intervention. It is important to remember that while we should be diligent and work hard, ultimately, it is God who provides for us.

In Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV), we are reminded:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Our understanding may be limited, but trusting in God and acknowledging Him in all we do leads to His direction and blessing.

As it says in Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (NIV):

“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”

May we always acknowledge God as the source of our blessings and trust in His provision.

Shalom.

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