Peppered

Did you know that pepper used to be more precious than gold? Now we casually toss it about on everything! Chefs even invite us to toss pepper into any fruit dish, to liven it up!

Peppercorns are the dried fruit of a flowering vine. You have to give credit to the first gal that tried a bite of that fruit! Where would we be now if Eve had eaten the pepper fruit instead of that apple?!

There are other kinds of peppers, including the kind that means to bombard or assail somebody with something, anything from rotten tomatoes to words. Herod did just that to our Lord Jesus.

Herod was delighted when Jesus showed up. He had wanted for a long time to see him, he’d heard so much about him. He hoped to see him do something spectacular. He peppered him with questions. Jesus didn’t answer—not one word. But the high priests and religion scholars were right there, saying their piece, strident and shrill in their accusations. (Luke 23:8-10, MSG)

Notice how Jesus responds. When pepper comes at us, we might well do the same. Saying nothing may be your saving grace.

Prayer – Lord, give us the grace to keep our mouth shut when we ought. Amen