Issue #1,142 – Saffron – April 28, 2023

One source describes saffron as “a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the “saffron crocus.” The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. Although some doubts remain on its origin, it is believed that saffron originated in Iran.”

Why am I talking about saffron? It came to mind recently when I watched a television show where one of the characters cooked “saffron mash,” mashed potatoes flavoured with saffron.

Saffron is delicately flavoured and brightly coloured. It can be purchased at your local grocer, but It wasn’t always so readily available. For many centuries, it was a commodity worth far more than gold. Fortunes were made and lost, and lives forfeit in the saffron trade.

Before the saffron crocus was cultivated and gathering made more straightforward, people had to find the crocus and collect the stamens; it takes between 50-75 thousand crocus stamens to make a pound of the spice.

The time, money and effort invested (often lost) in producing a spice/dye boggle my mind. It’s tasty in a subtle way and pretty enough, but what has it added to the world that is of lasting value?

People have odd priorities. We can spend our entire lives in something of transient value. We chase illusive dreams. We go to great lengths for things that have little or no value in the long term value.

How much extra time did you invest in your last promotion? I’m not talking about the need to do a good job but the additional overtime and stress needed to climb the ladder. Are you truly any happier, or are you already eyeing the next ladder rung?

How much money did you spend on the latest Whiz-Bang big screen or the new brand-name GPS-enabled watch? Does it still satisfy?

We all fall prone to chasing the temporal things of the world at times. They seem so necessary at the time.

Imagine if you would, and I am not sure if I can, what would this world be like if believers invested the same time and effort in transient things into being right with God and doing what we are called to do?

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Where are you investing? Will it last? Will it satisfy?

Until next time, may your focus and efforts be on things of eternal value.

Be Blessed

Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)

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