Nougat 28

Like His birthday, the date of Jesus’ death is greatly contested. Was it a Friday, was it Thursday or Wednesday. Like His birth, there’s no question that it happened. For those who commemorate His birth death and resurrection at this time; blessed Maundy Thursday to you. For others, blessings nevertheless. Please receive Today’s Holy Nougat

“Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” ‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭24‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

Die to Live

This business of death and fruitfulness isn’t always easy to process on this side of Heaven. I suspect it’s easier on the other side simply because folks there ought to be preoccupied with praise, so Death isn’t on their agenda. Especially since death isn’t part of the equation there; except the recognition that they miss us, and I don’t know that they do.

I recall High School General Science classes where in 7th grade (first form) each of us has to do the pea experiment. And no, it wasn’t planted in the ground – we were plotting growth patterns – it was in a clear glass bottle with tissue as support. Ironically, that wasn’t my first or best foray with regeneration, but it stuck with me. Now that I think about it, that might be because I could see the growth which would normally take place underground.

If my memory serves correct, I was able to see the seed beginning to split by day 3 or 4, thus indicating that new life was already beginning to be infused in the ‘dead’ seed. And based on my work in my garden plot, I’d already marveled that rarely did any seed only bear 1 fruit. And if it did, there were next crops, which would compensate. What I do know is, the right seed planted in the right soil has the potential for abundant fruit. (Just remember, some seeds aren’t the source of germination).

Note well

Jesus hung from a tree (maybe 2). If we’re being precise, He hung from two beams which were originally parts of trees. But in the biblical understanding, He hung from a tree. This was supposed to be taboo, as it suggested that someone may have committed suicide, which in those days might have been effected by hanging. It also, at least in the Roman era, indicated that one was an enemy of the state. Crucifixion was reserved for felonies, the bodies left outside the city in clear view as a warning to others. Regardless of the way one landed from the tree, death from that method was not ‘natural’, so it seemed to have been cursed.

But Jesus’ death transformed some of that curse. For, in His death, He challenged the stigma of crucifixion – He even died before they could inflict further torture! Moreover, like a seed, Jesus was planted in the ground for 3 days. And, on the 3rd day, He rose!

I am not preempting the Resurrection, but in regard to our Nougat, we realize that the Seed of David, God’s only begotten Son, fell into the ground (Joseph of Arimathea’s unused tomb), and with His Resurrection and Ascension (ie His splitting through to germination), Jesus’ following was even greater than during His physical lifetime!

Bam

Science turned Salvation mystery solved

And so, as Children of God born of Pentecost, we continue to proclaim

Christ Died

Christ is Risen

Christ will Come Again!

Hallelujah

What a Savior

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May all we seek be found in Christ