Dirty Barley Bread

[God speaking] “But as for you, take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet and spelt, put them in one vessel and make them into bread for yourself; you shall eat it according to the number of the days that you lie on your side, three hundred and ninety days.

“’Your food which you eat shall be twenty shekels a day by weight; you shall eat it from time to time.  The water you drink shall be the sixth part of a hin by measure; you shall drink it from time to time. 

“’You shall eat it as a barley cake having baked it in their sight over human dung.’  Then the Lord said, ‘Thus will the sons of Israel eat their bread unclean among the nations where I will banish them.’”   Ezekiel 4:9-13

The Old Testament is filled with instructions about cleanliness, especially with preparation and eating of specific foods – many foods were declared unclean and had to be avoided at all costs. 

But God was disappointed in His people and sent His prophet to dramatize His disappointment.  To do this He specifically instructing Ezekiel to do something completely abhorrent that was to symbolise Judah’s spiritual uncleanliness. 

Sometimes unexpected and puzzling things may happen in your life.  It is easy to blame it on chaos or an accident.  However, you must remember that nothing is happening that is outside the plan, control and will of the Lord.  It is up you to learn the lessons and thank your heavenly Father for His love and care.

Take care with love, especially His, from Darlene, who still prays for you each day.