Convo with Pastor - Exodus 39:24-26

On the lower hem of the robe they made pomegranates of blue,

purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen.

They also made bells of pure gold, and put the bells

between the pomegranates on the lower hem of the robe

all around, between the pomegranates;

a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate

all around on the lower hem of the robe for ministering;

as the Lord had commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:24-26

 

With a trip to Israel, I've tried to stay well ahead in my Bible in a Year readings. And while I've surely read the Book of Exodus many times before, I don't ever remember bells and pomegranates on the priestly robes!!!

 

Nevertheless, on the very day I read about God's command to deck the priests in noise-makers and Middle Eastern fruit, Pastor Fran started talking about pomegranates and bells!!! (God is delightful in how he helps us make connections.)

 

Pastor Fran said that we tend to experience the Holy Spirit in two primary ways: the Gifts of the Spirit and the Fruits of the Spirit. And the fruits are often symbolized by a pomegranate and the gifts by a bell.

 

When the Holy Spirit is with us, the Fruits of the Spirit are what are going in us! In Galatian 5, we are told that what the Spirit plants in us is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Abiding in the spirit, these traits (fruits) can begin to define our lives.

 

The gifts are different. First Corinthians 12 and other passages tell us that we are each given gifts and that we are each called to utilize our gifts for the benefit of the rest of the body, the church. We are to ring out! Call out! Speak out! Serve outwardly! Sing joyfully! Teach wisely! And/or preach effectively! (Note: The "and/or" is important there because we are each given different gifts for the benefit of the body, the church.

 

Which of the pomegranates (fruits) do you find in your life today?

 

And what are the bells (the gifts) that God has given you to use for his kingdom? Indeed, are you using them.

 

In Christ's Love,

a guy whose robe

is not nearly

ornate enough

-------------------------------------------
(We could attach bells to the hem of his robe while he's away ... wonder if he'll notice???)

The fruits in my life that are beginning to grow are love, joy, peace and self-control. Accepting them is the hard part. Allowing them to take root and grow.

Some of my gifts are administration and service. I like to think I am using them, but I know there can be so much more. Praying and waiting.