Lent Reflection

31st March 2022

Bark Acacia Trees Leaves Grassland Camelthorn Trees http://www.maxpixel

The acacia tree is a native of tropical and sub-tropical regions but grows in other cooler climes too. In Australia they are known as wattles. The acacia is part of the pea family and its small fragrant flowers produce podded seeds which are high in protein. The wood is often used for furniture and floorboards, whilst tannins from its bark can be used in making inks. Its resin can be used to make glue, including gum arabica. According to the Hebrew Scriptures the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant (which housed the tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments) were made of acacia wood – the latter covered in gold.

Acacia honey comes from bees that feed on the black locust or false acacia tree. NB the seeds of this latter tree are poisonous. 

Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle. Exodus 40:34 

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy making wise the simple… More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and the drippings of the honeycomb. Psalm 19:7,10

Author: Judith Russenberger

Environmentalist and theologian, with husband and three grown up children plus one cat, living in London SW14. I enjoy running and drinking coffee - ideally with a friend or a book.

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s

%d bloggers like this: