Standard
By Canita Pro (Canita Prough) copywrite 4/2020
In my devotions the last couple of days. My reading is in Numbers. It is talking about the setting up of the Tabernacle.
The words that keep jumping out at me is the phrase "...every man by his own standard," and "... by his own standard." I keep thinking God is a God of individuality.
Standard has several definitions;
*a level of quality or attainment,
* an idea or thing used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations,
* a tune or song of established popularity,
* a military or ceremonial flag carried on a pole or hoisted on a rope,
* used or accepted as normal or average,
* (of a tree or shrub) growing on an erect stem of full height.
The definitions that seem to suit my thought are a level of quality or attainment and used or accepted as normal or average. Using these definitions, we understand why our relationship with God is personal.
We are a part of the body of Christ, but our standard is set up and/or personal with Him. That brings up the question of judging. I always believed that the only judging we should do is Galatians 5:22-23. We should only judge these things in a person's life and be striving for these in our lives.
I do want to note that the Levi's were not given this privilege. They had to do it by God's standard, because they were setting up the Tabernacle of God.
Also, the military of the people, were set up on the standards of Judah. I believe God's standard on war was sending out the singers and musician’s first. I'm sure our singers, of the world and of the church would like this idea.
References: Numbers 1:52 and Numbers 2:2
The Bible says: to work out your salvation with fear and trembling before the Lord. That is how we set up our standard.
As I continued my reading, the meaning became cloudy. I then went to Strong’s Concordance. The meaning of this standard is flag or banner.
The staff with the snake in the desert is considered a flag or banner. It symbolizes God is a healer.
The names the Hebrews used on their banners were;
Yahweh-Nissi which means “The Lord is My Banner.”
Yahweh-Jireh means “God will Provide.”
Yahweh-Rapha meaning “The Lord who heals.”
Yahweh-Shalom means “The Lord our Peace.”
Yahweh-Kaddesh means “The Lord who sanctifies, makes Holy.”
Yahweh-Rohi meaning “The Lord is our Shepherd.”
Yahweh-Tsidkenu which means “The Lord our Righteousness.”
Yahweh-Shammah meaning “The Lord is There.”
There are more names of God that were displayed on their banners, but this gives an idea. Judah used Yahweh-Nissi which can be interpreted The Lord is my Protector.
Even though my first thought was that standard was a level of quality. I still believe we have to work out our standard before God with fear and trembling. For if we are the ones to lead an army and we were carrying a banner that said The Lord our Peace. I believe we would be sending the wrong message. God is our protector is the correct flag to carry into war. But going to meet allies in to pursue war with an ungodly nation, then carrying a banner that says The Lord our Peace would be in order. We must be carrying the right banner.
The words that keep jumping out at me is the phrase "...every man by his own standard," and "... by his own standard." I keep thinking God is a God of individuality.
Standard has several definitions;
*a level of quality or attainment,
* an idea or thing used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations,
* a tune or song of established popularity,
* a military or ceremonial flag carried on a pole or hoisted on a rope,
* used or accepted as normal or average,
* (of a tree or shrub) growing on an erect stem of full height.
The definitions that seem to suit my thought are a level of quality or attainment and used or accepted as normal or average. Using these definitions, we understand why our relationship with God is personal.
We are a part of the body of Christ, but our standard is set up and/or personal with Him. That brings up the question of judging. I always believed that the only judging we should do is Galatians 5:22-23. We should only judge these things in a person's life and be striving for these in our lives.
I do want to note that the Levi's were not given this privilege. They had to do it by God's standard, because they were setting up the Tabernacle of God.
Also, the military of the people, were set up on the standards of Judah. I believe God's standard on war was sending out the singers and musician’s first. I'm sure our singers, of the world and of the church would like this idea.
References: Numbers 1:52 and Numbers 2:2
The Bible says: to work out your salvation with fear and trembling before the Lord. That is how we set up our standard.
As I continued my reading, the meaning became cloudy. I then went to Strong’s Concordance. The meaning of this standard is flag or banner.
The staff with the snake in the desert is considered a flag or banner. It symbolizes God is a healer.
The names the Hebrews used on their banners were;
Yahweh-Nissi which means “The Lord is My Banner.”
Yahweh-Jireh means “God will Provide.”
Yahweh-Rapha meaning “The Lord who heals.”
Yahweh-Shalom means “The Lord our Peace.”
Yahweh-Kaddesh means “The Lord who sanctifies, makes Holy.”
Yahweh-Rohi meaning “The Lord is our Shepherd.”
Yahweh-Tsidkenu which means “The Lord our Righteousness.”
Yahweh-Shammah meaning “The Lord is There.”
There are more names of God that were displayed on their banners, but this gives an idea. Judah used Yahweh-Nissi which can be interpreted The Lord is my Protector.
Even though my first thought was that standard was a level of quality. I still believe we have to work out our standard before God with fear and trembling. For if we are the ones to lead an army and we were carrying a banner that said The Lord our Peace. I believe we would be sending the wrong message. God is our protector is the correct flag to carry into war. But going to meet allies in to pursue war with an ungodly nation, then carrying a banner that says The Lord our Peace would be in order. We must be carrying the right banner.
Bruchko
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Biographies
Some biographies can be long monotonous details of a person’s life that you have to push through to get the information. Other biographies you don’t want to put down, they put you through every gambit of emotion; laughing, crying, danger, adventure, happiness, sickness, etc. It is books of this second persuasion that will be introduced in this article.
Introduction to the man
The man in these biographies is an author, humanitarian, teacher, world-renowned missionary, linguist, statesman, a technical advisor to Montilone Indians and several Presidents of Colombia, South America and he has worn many other hats as well.
He is a man you can safely call a Hero. He is humble, serious, reserved and somewhat backwards in the American society. He is a man of great compassion and patience.
Bruce E. Olsson
His name is Bruce E. Olsson from St. Paul, Minnesota.
The following are excerpts from his books and a magazine article about him.
He went to Colombia, South American wanting to meet a certain group of people. The following is about his first meeting with them.
Some biographies can be long monotonous details of a person’s life that you have to push through to get the information. Other biographies you don’t want to put down, they put you through every gambit of emotion; laughing, crying, danger, adventure, happiness, sickness, etc. It is books of this second persuasion that will be introduced in this article.
Introduction to the man
The man in these biographies is an author, humanitarian, teacher, world-renowned missionary, linguist, statesman, a technical advisor to Montilone Indians and several Presidents of Colombia, South America and he has worn many other hats as well.
He is a man you can safely call a Hero. He is humble, serious, reserved and somewhat backwards in the American society. He is a man of great compassion and patience.
Bruce E. Olsson
His name is Bruce E. Olsson from St. Paul, Minnesota.
The following are excerpts from his books and a magazine article about him.
He went to Colombia, South American wanting to meet a certain group of people. The following is about his first meeting with them.
First meeting with the Motilones
“Suddenly all the Yukos stopped and raised their heads as if to sniff the wind. They stood like statues. I hadn’t heard a sound, but I stood still to, listening to my breath come hard and loud – too loud, I thought. I heard nothing else.
Then, as if in one motion, all the Yukos broke into a run, back the way we had come. I stood stunned for a moment, then, clumsily, ran after them, wondering what I was running for. I ran straight into some vines, tripped, and fell flat on my face, scrambled up, and got tangled in the vines again. Then a searing pain bit into my thigh, and my whole body went limp. I fell.” (Bruchko)
So you come as a friend?
After greeting him with an arrow and him pleading with them in several languages that he came as a friend. They removed the arrow and took him on a three-hour march back into Motilone Territory to die.
“…One of the men walked over to me. I cowered. He reached down to my leg and grasped the arrow by the shaft. Putting his foot on my thigh, he yanked out the arrow. I saw red, dancing stars, I couldn’t breathe. I looked down at my leg and saw a bit of my muscle trailing in the blood from where the arrow had been pulled.” (Bruchko)
Axe or Banana?
He is a linguist and as such he was interested in learning their language. There were no tapes or books from which to learn Motilone. In South America where most languages are not tonal, he discovered a tonal language.
“One morning I had a sore throat from yelling. I could hardly talk at first. Later, my voice was lower than usual. That afternoon I got hungry, when to Cobaydra, and asked for a banana. He went out and came back with an axe. I was puzzled. I was sure I had the right word for banana. So I asked for it again, and again Cobaydra handed me the axe.
Then a crazy thought came into my head. I pinched my nose and asked again in a high voice. This time Cobaydra got me a banana.” (Bruchko)
The Legend of the prophet
Interested in their culture he began learning their legends. This is an excerpt from when he discovered the meaning of one of their legends.
The legend was about “a prophet who would come carrying banana stalks, and that God come out of a banana stalk?
I couldn’t quite understand the idea behind the legend.
‘Why look for God to come out of a banana stalk?’ I asked.
There was a puzzled silence. It made sense to them, but they couldn’t explain it. Bobby walked over to a banana tree which was growing nearby. He cut off a section and tossed it toward us.
‘This is the kind of banana stalk God can come from,’ he said, it was a cross section from the stalk. It rolled at our feet.
One of the Motilones reached down and swatted at it with his machete, accidentally splitting it in half. One half stood up, while the other half split off. Leaves that were still inside the stalk, waiting to develop and come out, started peeling off. As they lay at the base of the stalk, they looked like pages from a book.
Suddenly a word raced through my mind. ‘Book! Book!’
I grabbed up my pack and took out my Bible. I opened it. Flipping through the pages, I held it toward the men. I pointed to the leaves from the banana stalk, then back to the Bible.
‘This is it!’ I said. ‘I have it here! This is God’s banana stalk.’” (Bruchko)
Nine month Colombian captivity
Because of his humanitarian work many different groups became interested in him. He was taken captive for nine months by the Guerillas of South America the following is one of the many incidents that occurred during his captivity.
“My executioners, 18 of them with submachine guns, lined up. There would not be much left of me, I thought, but at least it would be quick. I tried to concentrate on memories of the Motilones and my friends.
‘Take aim,’ the responsible ordered. Several men wept silently as they trained their weapons on me.
‘FIRE!’
Shots rang out, but I felt nothing.” (Charisma and Christian Life Magazine)
“Suddenly all the Yukos stopped and raised their heads as if to sniff the wind. They stood like statues. I hadn’t heard a sound, but I stood still to, listening to my breath come hard and loud – too loud, I thought. I heard nothing else.
Then, as if in one motion, all the Yukos broke into a run, back the way we had come. I stood stunned for a moment, then, clumsily, ran after them, wondering what I was running for. I ran straight into some vines, tripped, and fell flat on my face, scrambled up, and got tangled in the vines again. Then a searing pain bit into my thigh, and my whole body went limp. I fell.” (Bruchko)
So you come as a friend?
After greeting him with an arrow and him pleading with them in several languages that he came as a friend. They removed the arrow and took him on a three-hour march back into Motilone Territory to die.
“…One of the men walked over to me. I cowered. He reached down to my leg and grasped the arrow by the shaft. Putting his foot on my thigh, he yanked out the arrow. I saw red, dancing stars, I couldn’t breathe. I looked down at my leg and saw a bit of my muscle trailing in the blood from where the arrow had been pulled.” (Bruchko)
Axe or Banana?
He is a linguist and as such he was interested in learning their language. There were no tapes or books from which to learn Motilone. In South America where most languages are not tonal, he discovered a tonal language.
“One morning I had a sore throat from yelling. I could hardly talk at first. Later, my voice was lower than usual. That afternoon I got hungry, when to Cobaydra, and asked for a banana. He went out and came back with an axe. I was puzzled. I was sure I had the right word for banana. So I asked for it again, and again Cobaydra handed me the axe.
Then a crazy thought came into my head. I pinched my nose and asked again in a high voice. This time Cobaydra got me a banana.” (Bruchko)
The Legend of the prophet
Interested in their culture he began learning their legends. This is an excerpt from when he discovered the meaning of one of their legends.
The legend was about “a prophet who would come carrying banana stalks, and that God come out of a banana stalk?
I couldn’t quite understand the idea behind the legend.
‘Why look for God to come out of a banana stalk?’ I asked.
There was a puzzled silence. It made sense to them, but they couldn’t explain it. Bobby walked over to a banana tree which was growing nearby. He cut off a section and tossed it toward us.
‘This is the kind of banana stalk God can come from,’ he said, it was a cross section from the stalk. It rolled at our feet.
One of the Motilones reached down and swatted at it with his machete, accidentally splitting it in half. One half stood up, while the other half split off. Leaves that were still inside the stalk, waiting to develop and come out, started peeling off. As they lay at the base of the stalk, they looked like pages from a book.
Suddenly a word raced through my mind. ‘Book! Book!’
I grabbed up my pack and took out my Bible. I opened it. Flipping through the pages, I held it toward the men. I pointed to the leaves from the banana stalk, then back to the Bible.
‘This is it!’ I said. ‘I have it here! This is God’s banana stalk.’” (Bruchko)
Nine month Colombian captivity
Because of his humanitarian work many different groups became interested in him. He was taken captive for nine months by the Guerillas of South America the following is one of the many incidents that occurred during his captivity.
“My executioners, 18 of them with submachine guns, lined up. There would not be much left of me, I thought, but at least it would be quick. I tried to concentrate on memories of the Motilones and my friends.
‘Take aim,’ the responsible ordered. Several men wept silently as they trained their weapons on me.
‘FIRE!’
Shots rang out, but I felt nothing.” (Charisma and Christian Life Magazine)
Where you will find him now
Nowadays you will hear that Bruce Olsson is in the jungles of High Catatumbo, working off solar-energy on a portable computer with a mini-satellite antenna.
To read more about this interesting man and his life, check out his books; Bruchko and Bruchko and the Motilone Miracle.
You can contact him at:
Bruce Olsson
7543 NW 70th Street
Miami, FL 33166
www.bruceolson.com
www.bruceolson.org
[email protected]
Nowadays you will hear that Bruce Olsson is in the jungles of High Catatumbo, working off solar-energy on a portable computer with a mini-satellite antenna.
To read more about this interesting man and his life, check out his books; Bruchko and Bruchko and the Motilone Miracle.
You can contact him at:
Bruce Olsson
7543 NW 70th Street
Miami, FL 33166
www.bruceolson.com
www.bruceolson.org
[email protected]
Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Debate Over the Word Ghost or Spirit
God is a Spirit
The verse in St. John 4:24 has been resounding in my spirit. "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." I began thinking on the scripture and the part that keeps repeating is "God is a Spirit." I mulled on this for several days, then sat down to do some research. I kept questioning if perhaps the change from Spirit to Ghost came after Jesus died, but that was not correct. The 'Holy Ghost' came upon Mary, Mother of Jesus, in Matthew 1:18.
Debate Over Words
It was in the researching that I found that there is a debate over which word should be used 'Ghost' or 'Spirit'. Having never gotten into a debate about whether it should be ghost or spirit, I had not formed an opinion. I guess a little 'working out my salvation' is going on. I was amazed that this was a debated subject. I realize that creating a new version of the Bible might cause it to be debated.
Holy Spirit
Defining the words can bring clarity to me. The word "Holy Spirit" is not found in the Bible. The word "Spirit" is found there. We add the holy because it is a good or friendly spirit. The word "Spirit" is found from the very beginning in Genesis 1. In Hebrew, which is the original language of the old testament, the word for "Spirit" is 'ruwach' which means wind. The definitions of spirit from the internet is "a force or principle believed to animate living beings," and out of the dictionary is "a life principle." The definition of principle is "a base part."
God is a Spirit
The verse in St. John 4:24 has been resounding in my spirit. "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." I began thinking on the scripture and the part that keeps repeating is "God is a Spirit." I mulled on this for several days, then sat down to do some research. I kept questioning if perhaps the change from Spirit to Ghost came after Jesus died, but that was not correct. The 'Holy Ghost' came upon Mary, Mother of Jesus, in Matthew 1:18.
Debate Over Words
It was in the researching that I found that there is a debate over which word should be used 'Ghost' or 'Spirit'. Having never gotten into a debate about whether it should be ghost or spirit, I had not formed an opinion. I guess a little 'working out my salvation' is going on. I was amazed that this was a debated subject. I realize that creating a new version of the Bible might cause it to be debated.
Holy Spirit
Defining the words can bring clarity to me. The word "Holy Spirit" is not found in the Bible. The word "Spirit" is found there. We add the holy because it is a good or friendly spirit. The word "Spirit" is found from the very beginning in Genesis 1. In Hebrew, which is the original language of the old testament, the word for "Spirit" is 'ruwach' which means wind. The definitions of spirit from the internet is "a force or principle believed to animate living beings," and out of the dictionary is "a life principle." The definition of principle is "a base part."
Holy Ghost
The word "Holy Ghost" is found in the Bible. It is first mentioned in Matthew 1:18. The New Testament of our Bible is in the Greek language. The Greek word and definition for ghost is 'pueuma' which mean "of air." The internet definition of Ghost is "a spirit of a dead person." The definition from the dictionary is "a disembodied spirit of a dead person."
The Word Spirit
The definitions to me can be interchangeable 'of air' and 'wind'. I would be hard pressed to distinguish the difference.
I am not writing my own version of the Bible. I have decided that I believe the word 'Spirit' would be more acceptable to me. St. John 4:24 states God is a Spirit, then if I believe in the Trinity. God is a Spirit, the Father, the Son and the Spirit are Spirit. Then, 'Spirit" is the word I find more pleasing. I was raised calling Him the Holy Ghost and it will take a while for my vocabulary to change. I want to think of Him, refer to Him and address Him as the 'Holy Spirit."
The word "Holy Ghost" is found in the Bible. It is first mentioned in Matthew 1:18. The New Testament of our Bible is in the Greek language. The Greek word and definition for ghost is 'pueuma' which mean "of air." The internet definition of Ghost is "a spirit of a dead person." The definition from the dictionary is "a disembodied spirit of a dead person."
The Word Spirit
The definitions to me can be interchangeable 'of air' and 'wind'. I would be hard pressed to distinguish the difference.
I am not writing my own version of the Bible. I have decided that I believe the word 'Spirit' would be more acceptable to me. St. John 4:24 states God is a Spirit, then if I believe in the Trinity. God is a Spirit, the Father, the Son and the Spirit are Spirit. Then, 'Spirit" is the word I find more pleasing. I was raised calling Him the Holy Ghost and it will take a while for my vocabulary to change. I want to think of Him, refer to Him and address Him as the 'Holy Spirit."
The Prophet, Jonah
Copyright Canita Prough (Pro) 2019
Young Jonah
There was this guy by the name of Jonah. He was born in Gath-Hepher which is on the coast of Israel. He was born to Amittai and Zarephath. Amittai was from the tribe of Zebulun and Zarephath from the tribe of Asher so the story goes. Jewish history says that Zarephath was a widow and Jonah was her only son. Elijah the Prophet was directed by God to go to Zarephath and that she would feed him during a time of drought. He goes and she is preparing the last meal for herself and Jonah. Elijah prays. God blesses her barrel of meal and for the remainder of the drought it never runs out. Later, it is believed that Jonah was among the young prophets that worked with Elijah.
Jonah the Prophet
We know that he is a prophet from the book of Jonah. He advised the house of Jehu. He was a prophet whose prophecy had come to pass. He was in good standing with the state. A prophet was a politician in those days. The state wanted to know what God was saying so the prophets were advisors to the state. God had revealed to Jonah that boundaries of the Northern Kingdom under King Jeroboam II would be restored to the original boundaries. The boundaries had been restored as Jonah had predicted.
What can happen while we wait
Time passed and Jonah had not had a word from the Lord for some time. He was possibly feeling a little insecure in his position. He seems like a melancholy personality from what I have read about him. He could have been a little depressed. Then God speaks to him. He tells him to go to Nineveh and tell the people to repent. Jonah don’t much like the idea. Why you ask? Well, Nineveh was a wicked city. Their wickedness had come up unto God. The Assyrians were a brutal people, burning people and towns, beheading etc. At the time of Jonah this city was undefeated. The wall held well and the position of the city on eastern side of the Tigris river made them impenetrable. The only thing that could defeat them, and did eventually was the Tigris river. They were kind of cocky about the fact they were undefeated.
No win/win
God told Jonah to tell them to repent or in forty days Nineveh would be destroyed. He had been right so far, but things didn’t look to favorable in this prophecy. This group was undefeated. It was unlikely that anyone would go to war with them. They didn’t have any major diseases and they controlled everyone who entered their city. There were no natural circumstances that could make what Jonah said come to pass. His previous prophecy could be brought about by several natural circumstances. This one took more faith. He also knew that God was a God of mercy and that they had the ability to repent and be forgiven. Israel had experienced that first hand. They had turned their back on God many a time and yet when they repented, He would restore them. There was just no win/win in this situation.
Young Jonah
There was this guy by the name of Jonah. He was born in Gath-Hepher which is on the coast of Israel. He was born to Amittai and Zarephath. Amittai was from the tribe of Zebulun and Zarephath from the tribe of Asher so the story goes. Jewish history says that Zarephath was a widow and Jonah was her only son. Elijah the Prophet was directed by God to go to Zarephath and that she would feed him during a time of drought. He goes and she is preparing the last meal for herself and Jonah. Elijah prays. God blesses her barrel of meal and for the remainder of the drought it never runs out. Later, it is believed that Jonah was among the young prophets that worked with Elijah.
Jonah the Prophet
We know that he is a prophet from the book of Jonah. He advised the house of Jehu. He was a prophet whose prophecy had come to pass. He was in good standing with the state. A prophet was a politician in those days. The state wanted to know what God was saying so the prophets were advisors to the state. God had revealed to Jonah that boundaries of the Northern Kingdom under King Jeroboam II would be restored to the original boundaries. The boundaries had been restored as Jonah had predicted.
What can happen while we wait
Time passed and Jonah had not had a word from the Lord for some time. He was possibly feeling a little insecure in his position. He seems like a melancholy personality from what I have read about him. He could have been a little depressed. Then God speaks to him. He tells him to go to Nineveh and tell the people to repent. Jonah don’t much like the idea. Why you ask? Well, Nineveh was a wicked city. Their wickedness had come up unto God. The Assyrians were a brutal people, burning people and towns, beheading etc. At the time of Jonah this city was undefeated. The wall held well and the position of the city on eastern side of the Tigris river made them impenetrable. The only thing that could defeat them, and did eventually was the Tigris river. They were kind of cocky about the fact they were undefeated.
No win/win
God told Jonah to tell them to repent or in forty days Nineveh would be destroyed. He had been right so far, but things didn’t look to favorable in this prophecy. This group was undefeated. It was unlikely that anyone would go to war with them. They didn’t have any major diseases and they controlled everyone who entered their city. There were no natural circumstances that could make what Jonah said come to pass. His previous prophecy could be brought about by several natural circumstances. This one took more faith. He also knew that God was a God of mercy and that they had the ability to repent and be forgiven. Israel had experienced that first hand. They had turned their back on God many a time and yet when they repented, He would restore them. There was just no win/win in this situation.
Overboard
So, Jonah gets on a boat headed to the southwestern coast of Spain, Tarshish. If he could get far enough away, God would select another prophet to go to Nineveh. As with most of us, our biggest struggle is against our logical minds. Well, the ship hits an unusual storm. They cast lots and Jonah comes up twice. They tell him to pray to his God for help. He tells them his is running from God. They ask what they need to do to save themselves. Jonah tells them they need to throw him overboard. They didn’t want to do this, so they try everything possible to keep from drowning a man. Then when all avenues were exhausted, they do as Jonah suggested, they threw him overboard.
So, Jonah gets on a boat headed to the southwestern coast of Spain, Tarshish. If he could get far enough away, God would select another prophet to go to Nineveh. As with most of us, our biggest struggle is against our logical minds. Well, the ship hits an unusual storm. They cast lots and Jonah comes up twice. They tell him to pray to his God for help. He tells them his is running from God. They ask what they need to do to save themselves. Jonah tells them they need to throw him overboard. They didn’t want to do this, so they try everything possible to keep from drowning a man. Then when all avenues were exhausted, they do as Jonah suggested, they threw him overboard.
In the beginning there was a big fish
After his is thrown overboard something happens that is illogical. A big fish swallows him. Now a whale’s entrance to their stomach is small so they would die if they swallowed a man. Most fish are not large enough to swallow a man whole. It is obviously a miracle. As lonely Golgotha was made in the beginning of time. It is believed that this fish with a large opening into his stomach was created in the beginning of time. The fish just happens to be in that part of the ocean and it swallows Jonah. Then for three days the fish has a bellyache. I believe Jonah was unconscious most of the time. He was conscious for a while, during that time he repented, and God restored him.
Relief from a bellyache
Tired of the bellyache and hearing God’s command the fish spits Jonah out. Wrapped in seaweed, blue from the cold and lack of sun, dazed from lack of air, Jonah was washed up on shore. God spoke to Jonah again. Go to Nineveh. Of all the luck. God had not sent someone else, I didn’t get far enough away, que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be.
All of them
Jonah goes to Nineveh, goes a day journey into the city, cries out and tells the people to repent or in forty days the city will be destroyed. Jonah leaves the city goes to where he can watch and see what happens to the city and its people. Maybe they knew of Jonah and that what he had prophesied had happened, but whatever the reason they repented all 120,000 of them.
Gourd and worm
While Jonah is waiting a gourd grows up and shades him and he grateful for the shade. Then in the night a worm eats on the gourd and it withers. The east wind blows, the sun beats down and Jonah wishes to die. It could be a lack of food, water and proper shelter. It sounds like depression to me.
How to let Jonah know
Jonah sees that the city and its people are not destroyed in the forty days. He asks God to let him die instead of having to face friends and family. The city was not destroyed and only God knows that the people have repented. Repentance is not always visible right away. It was brutality and arrogance for which they were known. You cannot see brutality and arrogance with the visible eye.
Then God lets him know that the work is completed. He reveals to Jonah through the circumstances of the gourd and worm that they truly did repent and that God had intervened on their behalf and saved the city.
Older Jonah
History shows that Jonah lived to 120 years of age. He was married, I am assuming after the death of his mother. They say he never died, but that the “holy spirit” descended on him while he participated on the last day of Sukkoth. There was a town named after him. Each year in September or October the story of Jonah is read in the Jewish communities to celebrate the Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement, feast. This story is told to remind them that there is the ability to repent and be forgiven. The stories climax is “Salvation comes from the Lord.” Jonah’s tomb was in Mosul, Iraq until recently when ISIS destroyed it.
After his is thrown overboard something happens that is illogical. A big fish swallows him. Now a whale’s entrance to their stomach is small so they would die if they swallowed a man. Most fish are not large enough to swallow a man whole. It is obviously a miracle. As lonely Golgotha was made in the beginning of time. It is believed that this fish with a large opening into his stomach was created in the beginning of time. The fish just happens to be in that part of the ocean and it swallows Jonah. Then for three days the fish has a bellyache. I believe Jonah was unconscious most of the time. He was conscious for a while, during that time he repented, and God restored him.
Relief from a bellyache
Tired of the bellyache and hearing God’s command the fish spits Jonah out. Wrapped in seaweed, blue from the cold and lack of sun, dazed from lack of air, Jonah was washed up on shore. God spoke to Jonah again. Go to Nineveh. Of all the luck. God had not sent someone else, I didn’t get far enough away, que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be.
All of them
Jonah goes to Nineveh, goes a day journey into the city, cries out and tells the people to repent or in forty days the city will be destroyed. Jonah leaves the city goes to where he can watch and see what happens to the city and its people. Maybe they knew of Jonah and that what he had prophesied had happened, but whatever the reason they repented all 120,000 of them.
Gourd and worm
While Jonah is waiting a gourd grows up and shades him and he grateful for the shade. Then in the night a worm eats on the gourd and it withers. The east wind blows, the sun beats down and Jonah wishes to die. It could be a lack of food, water and proper shelter. It sounds like depression to me.
How to let Jonah know
Jonah sees that the city and its people are not destroyed in the forty days. He asks God to let him die instead of having to face friends and family. The city was not destroyed and only God knows that the people have repented. Repentance is not always visible right away. It was brutality and arrogance for which they were known. You cannot see brutality and arrogance with the visible eye.
Then God lets him know that the work is completed. He reveals to Jonah through the circumstances of the gourd and worm that they truly did repent and that God had intervened on their behalf and saved the city.
Older Jonah
History shows that Jonah lived to 120 years of age. He was married, I am assuming after the death of his mother. They say he never died, but that the “holy spirit” descended on him while he participated on the last day of Sukkoth. There was a town named after him. Each year in September or October the story of Jonah is read in the Jewish communities to celebrate the Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement, feast. This story is told to remind them that there is the ability to repent and be forgiven. The stories climax is “Salvation comes from the Lord.” Jonah’s tomb was in Mosul, Iraq until recently when ISIS destroyed it.
Was the Orange in the Garden of Eden? Copyright 2019 Canita M. Prough (Pro)
Pomelo Fruit
In The Beginning...
When I think of the fruits found in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2 and 3) with Adam and Eve, of course, I think of the apple. I also think of the bananas, oranges, cherries, grapes and pears. I am beginning to think maybe being raised in the Midwest formed my view of the Garden of Eden. Only the fruits that were grown and shipped into that area made my list.
Sunshine State
Upon visiting the Sunshine State, Florida, I saw advertising that stated that Florida is the #1 state in production of oranges, in the United States. It was suggested to me that I should research the orange. This is where I discovered my view of fruit was limited.
The Hybrid Orange
The orange is a hybrid. It is a cultured fruit from the pomelo and the mandarin. It is 25% pomelo and 75% mandarin. The orange is the most cultivated fruit tree in the world. It was originally cultivated in China around 2500 BC, but was still bitter. It arrived in the Americas in 1493 with Christopher Columbus on his second voyage, from Madrid, Spain. The orange was then cultivated in Mexico and arrived in Florida in 1565.
When I think of the fruits found in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2 and 3) with Adam and Eve, of course, I think of the apple. I also think of the bananas, oranges, cherries, grapes and pears. I am beginning to think maybe being raised in the Midwest formed my view of the Garden of Eden. Only the fruits that were grown and shipped into that area made my list.
Sunshine State
Upon visiting the Sunshine State, Florida, I saw advertising that stated that Florida is the #1 state in production of oranges, in the United States. It was suggested to me that I should research the orange. This is where I discovered my view of fruit was limited.
The Hybrid Orange
The orange is a hybrid. It is a cultured fruit from the pomelo and the mandarin. It is 25% pomelo and 75% mandarin. The orange is the most cultivated fruit tree in the world. It was originally cultivated in China around 2500 BC, but was still bitter. It arrived in the Americas in 1493 with Christopher Columbus on his second voyage, from Madrid, Spain. The orange was then cultivated in Mexico and arrived in Florida in 1565.
Citron Fruit
Four Original Citrus Fruits
I have never eaten a fruit called a pomelo, but when you call it a grapefruit, I have eaten it and I have eaten canned mandarins, but never a fresh one.
The orange is hybrid from four original citrus fruit species:
Pomelo - which is a white grapefruit.
Citron - a large, fragrant, thick rind citrus fruit similar the lemon or lime.
Mandarin - which is a tangerine.
Papeda - the most primitive group of the original citrus fruits, similar to a lemon or lime.
These fruits all originate in Asia.
I have never eaten a fruit called a pomelo, but when you call it a grapefruit, I have eaten it and I have eaten canned mandarins, but never a fresh one.
The orange is hybrid from four original citrus fruit species:
Pomelo - which is a white grapefruit.
Citron - a large, fragrant, thick rind citrus fruit similar the lemon or lime.
Mandarin - which is a tangerine.
Papeda - the most primitive group of the original citrus fruits, similar to a lemon or lime.
These fruits all originate in Asia.
Mandrin Fruit
Choosing the Quality Orange
I remember being told that buying an orange by its looks would not get me the best quality orange. Oranges are colored by dried food coloring. You need to look for brown spots which indicate a quality orange. It should feel heavy in your hand and should never feel dry or soft. It should feel firm and be shiny. Note: The brown spots to look for are pictured well in the tangerine picture.
Naval Orange
The most common oranges are the Naval and the Valencia. The Naval orange got its name because it has a naval like a human naval. When inspecting the Naval orange, it should look like a healthy human naval. It should be firm when squeezed. It is the orange favored as the eating orange. It has a thick rind and has no seeds.
Common Orange
The Valencia orange is considered the common, blond, or white round orange. The majority of the Valencia oranges are used for juice extraction and has seeds. The Valencia orange should have a little give when squeezed because it has a thin rind.
Both oranges can be eaten or juiced. An orange should smell fresh and not fermented or mushy. If it smells anything other than like orange peel it is not good.
I remember being told that buying an orange by its looks would not get me the best quality orange. Oranges are colored by dried food coloring. You need to look for brown spots which indicate a quality orange. It should feel heavy in your hand and should never feel dry or soft. It should feel firm and be shiny. Note: The brown spots to look for are pictured well in the tangerine picture.
Naval Orange
The most common oranges are the Naval and the Valencia. The Naval orange got its name because it has a naval like a human naval. When inspecting the Naval orange, it should look like a healthy human naval. It should be firm when squeezed. It is the orange favored as the eating orange. It has a thick rind and has no seeds.
Common Orange
The Valencia orange is considered the common, blond, or white round orange. The majority of the Valencia oranges are used for juice extraction and has seeds. The Valencia orange should have a little give when squeezed because it has a thin rind.
Both oranges can be eaten or juiced. An orange should smell fresh and not fermented or mushy. If it smells anything other than like orange peel it is not good.
Papeda Fruit
Is the Orange In The Garden of Eden?
And No, the clean, crisp, refreshing orange was not in the Garden of Eden. It is more likely that the lemon, lime or tangerine was there.
And No, the clean, crisp, refreshing orange was not in the Garden of Eden. It is more likely that the lemon, lime or tangerine was there.
