Why a Barley Loaf: Rediscovering God in Judges

I’ve read Judges 7 every year for decades. I know the story: Gideon’s fear, his tiny army of 300 men, and the sudden, miraculous victory over the Midianites. Yet this time, something caught my attention in a way it never had before—a barley loaf rolling into the Midianite camp and knocking over a tent.

I found myself pausing and asking: How could God use something so ordinary and small to accomplish such a mighty victory? That simple loaf, humble and almost laughable, suddenly felt full of meaning.

A Humble Symbol in a World of Fear

Barley bread was the food of the poor. It was coarse, cheap, and unremarkable. In a culture where wheat represented prosperity and power, barley was humble. And that’s exactly why God chose it.

In the dream, the barley loaf represents Gideon and his army: ordinary, weak, and vastly outnumbered. Nothing about them suggested they could succeed. In today's vernacular we'd say, "The odds were against them." And yet God delighted in using the smallest, most unlikely instrument to accomplish His purposes.

It reminded me that God’s victories often come through what seems weak, insignificant, or overlooked. He doesn’t need strength, wealth, or status. He only needs faith and willingness to act. The barley loaf is a powerful symbol of God’s ability to overturn the natural order and bring triumph from humility.

 

 

The Loaf That Rolls and Overturns

In the dream, the loaf doesn’t stay small. It rolls forward with unstoppable force and overturns a tent, symbolizing the Midianite army’s strength and security. Even the enemy soldiers recognize God’s hand at work.

God didn’t use a boulder, an earthquake, or anything dramatic. He used a simple loaf of barley. Ordinary becomes extraordinary when God is in it. That’s the lesson that struck me this time: God delights in taking the overlooked and turning it into a vessel of victory.

I couldn’t help but think about all the ways I’ve underestimated myself or been underestimated by others. Like Gideon, I’ve often felt small, ordinary, or insufficient. And yet this story reminds me that God specializes in using exactly that—the ordinary, the weak, the overlooked—to accomplish what seems impossible.

Seeing Myself in the Loaf

At times, I feel like that barley loaf in my own life. Ordinary, overlooked, unsure if I can make a difference. But Scripture reminds me that God doesn’t need me to be impressive. He only needs me to trust Him and take the next step in faith.

This story also reminds me that faith is not about how big or strong we are—it’s about how willing we are to let God work through us. Even our smallest acts of obedience or trust can have a far-reaching impact when God is in control.

A Timeless Reminder

After decades of reading this passage, God highlighted one small detail to remind me of something true: His strength shines brightest in weakness, His power works through humility, and His timing is perfect.

The barley loaf shows that God often works through the ordinary to reveal the extraordinary. What looks small in our hands becomes mighty in His. And what seems weak becomes a testimony of His power.

Reflection

Sometimes, the smallest details carry the deepest encouragement—if we are willing to pause and notice them. Today, the barley loaf reminds me: God is already at work, even before the battle begins. The victory doesn’t depend on human strength—it depends on His hand. And when He works, even the weakest and most ordinary among us become instruments of His triumph.

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What Was the “Holy Kiss” in the Bible? Meaning, Purpose, and History Explained

I was recently writing a post for my Wedding Traditions and Meanings blog about the wedding kiss and the New Year’s kiss, and learned historically kisses held many meanings that were not romantic in nature. This brought to mind the biblical phrase “Holy Kiss.” Every time I read that phrase in Scripture, like in Romans 16:16 or 1 Corinthians 16:20, I wondered about it. What did it really mean?

After writing that post, I realized I needed to look into the holy kiss more deeply. And then there’s Judas’ kiss, a betrayal so infamous it’s practically a cautionary tale. But how deep does that betrayal go based on the meaning of the kiss? Could it somehow be connected to the Holy Kiss, or are they completely different in meaning and intent?

That curiosity is the reason for this blog. Over the years, as I’ve studied Scripture and explored the historical context, I’ve discovered that the Holy Kiss was a sacred gesture of love, peace, and unity, while Judas’ kiss shows how the same outward gesture can carry the opposite intent.

  

What the Bible Says About the Holy Kiss

The New Testament mentions the Holy Kiss several times, often in Paul’s letters to the churches:

• Romans 16:16 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.”
• 1 Corinthians 16:20 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
• 2 Corinthians 13:12 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:26 – “Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.”
• 1 Peter 5:14 – “Greet one another with a kiss of love.”

When I read these passages, I realized the Holy Kiss wasn’t a one-off custom. It was a recurring practice in the early Church. But why did early Christians do this, and what did it signify?

But before I get into the meaning and purpose of the Holy Kiss let's answer another question. Was the kiss on the lips or the cheek? 

Was the Holy Kiss on the Lips or Cheek?

The Bible doesn’t specify exactly where the Holy Kiss was placed. Scholars believe it was usually on the cheek among believers, though in close, private settings, a kiss on the lips may have occurred. The key point is that it was a sacred, spiritual greeting, not romantic. It was meant to show love, unity, and fellowship. 

The Meaning and Purpose of the Holy Kiss

From my study, I see that the Holy Kiss had several important spiritual purposes:

1. A Sign of Love and Fellowship

The Holy Kiss was a tangible way for believers to express genuine love and care for one another. I imagine it like a spiritual hug—a small gesture carrying a big message.

2. A Symbol of Peace

In a culture where greetings often involved a kiss, the word “holy” elevated it to a sacred act. It was a way to say, “I see you, I respect you, and we are one in Christ.”

3. A Reminder of Community and Equality

Everyone in the church—rich, poor, slave, free, shared the same gesture. I love that sense of humility and equality, a reminder that we’re all brothers and sisters in Christ.

Cultural Context: Kissing in the Ancient World

Kissing was a common form of greeting in the Mediterranean world. Families, friends, and even political allies often kissed to show respect or goodwill. What fascinated me is how the early Church transformed a common social gesture into a sacred, spiritual act.

Understanding the Difference: The Holy Kiss vs. Judas’ Kiss

When I first read about the Holy Kiss, I couldn’t help but think of Judas’ infamous kiss. On the surface, both involve a kiss, but the meaning behind them is worlds apart. Let's bring it into focus:

1. Intent

• Holy Kiss: Expressed love, peace, and unity among believers.
• Judas’ Kiss: A deliberate act of betrayal and deceit.

2. Audience

• Holy Kiss: Shared with fellow believers in the church.
• Judas’ Kiss: Used to identify Jesus to the soldiers who came to arrest Him.

3. Symbolism

• Holy Kiss: A visible expression of spiritual fellowship and community.
• Judas’ Kiss: A symbol of treachery and the contrast between outward appearance and inner intent.

4. Heart Behind the Gesture

• Holy Kiss: Came from genuine love and humility.
• Judas’ Kiss: Came from deceit and personal gain.

This helped me see it wasn’t the gesture itself that mattered. It was the heart behind it. One is a sacred, unifying act; the other, a betrayal that changed the course of history.

Is the Holy Kiss Practiced Today?

You might wonder if the Holy Kiss is still practiced. In most churches today, it’s not common, but the spirit of the practice lives on. Handshakes, hugs, or even verbal greetings like “Peace be with you” can express the same love, unity, and fellowship that the Holy Kiss once did.

Not Just a Quaint Custom It Was a Sacred Expression

Learning about the Holy Kiss has helped me understand this custom. It wasn’t romantic, and it certainly wasn’t just a quaint custom, it was a sacred expression of love, peace, and unity. Contrasting it with Judas’ betrayal shows how the same outward gesture can carry dramatically different meaning depending on the heart behind it.

For me, the takeaway is clear: whether through a hug, handshake, or heartfelt greeting, let’s greet one another with love, peace, and genuine fellowship, just as the early Church did.

The Connection Between Numbers 4:1 and Galatians 6:2-5

The connection between Numbers 4:19 and Galatians 6:2-5 offers rich insight into the balance of shared responsibility and personal accountability in both Old and New Testament teachings.

Individual and Shared Responsibility

In Numbers 4:19, we see that the Levites were appointed to specific roles and responsibilities in serving the tabernacle. Their duties were essential to the proper functioning of the spiritual community. The service and tasks of the Levites, such as carrying the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred objects, were carefully designated by God to maintain order and reverence for His presence. The idea that each individual had a role to play is emphasized, and this division of labor highlights the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility in the service of God.

 

Bearing Burdens and Spiritual Support

Similarly, Galatians 6:2-5 speaks about the spiritual responsibilities of Christians within the body of Christ. Paul urges believers to "bear one another’s burdens," emphasizing the importance of supporting each other when someone is overwhelmed, unable to carry their burdens alone. This "burden" refers to something that exceeds personal capacity, akin to the larger, more significant tasks the Levites carried, which could not be done without help. Paul stresses that fulfilling the "law of Christ" — to love and care for one another — requires shared responsibility, much like the communal aspect of the Levites' duties.

However, in verse 5, Paul introduces the idea that each person must also "bear his own load." This term refers to a smaller, personal responsibility, comparable to a soldier carrying his own backpack. It’s not something that requires outside help but rather a manageable load that individuals are expected to handle themselves. This distinction between a “burden” and a “load” in Galatians helps clarify that while mutual support is crucial, personal responsibility is also vital. Just as the Levites had to perform their specific duties without interference from others in matters concerning the tabernacle, Christians are called to carry their personal burdens but are not to expect others to bear what they can manage themselves.

In both Numbers 4 and Galatians 6, there is an emphasis on the necessity of contribution from each individual. In the Old Testament, it was about fulfilling God's appointed tasks, and in the New Testament, it's about supporting one another in spiritual growth. The key takeaway is the importance of balance: shared burdens are for larger, more overwhelming struggles, while personal responsibility is for those tasks that fall within an individual's capacity to manage.

Thus, Numbers 4:19 and Galatians 6:2-5 both underscore the idea that the work of God, whether physical or spiritual, is a shared endeavor, with each person contributing according to their ability, while also recognizing when to seek help and when to stand on their own.

Vote for The Inheritance and help a dream take flight!

 

Hello, friends and fellow fantasy lovers!

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news about my Christian fantasy novel, The Inheritance! Right now, it’s competing for Cover of the Month at All Author, and I couldn't be more amazed and grateful for the support I’ve received so far.

As of today, The Inheritance is currently sitting in 4th place, and we’re not even halfway through the month! It’s a testament to the power of community and the love for storytelling that I’ve seen in all of you.

 

Voting is currently in round two, and in just four days, we’ll be moving on to round three. Every vote counts, and you can cast your vote in each round. I’m hopeful to place in the top three, but I need your help to make it happen!

If you enjoy The Inheritance, or if you’re just passionate about supporting indie authors, I would greatly appreciate your vote. It means the world to me to see my work recognized, and your support could help push the cover into the top tier!

Thank you all for your incredible support. Let’s make The Inheritance shine bright in this competition and help my dream take flight!

With gratitude,

Author Donna Sundblad

Don't light your own fire

 

This year I’m going through the Bible in chronological order. Today’s reading took me through Isaiah 49-53. There’s so much in these chapters I could talk about, but what God impressed on me to share with my readers is found in Isaiah 50:10-11.

10 Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.

11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire and by the torches that you have kindled! This you have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment.

Light and darkness in the bible

Light in the bible symbolizes holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, grace, hope, and God's revelation. Isaiah 2:5 tells the people of Israel to “come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” In the New Testament, the apostle John records Jesus's claim that He is the light of the world and those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will “have the light of life.”

Darkness is the opposite of light. It represents all that separates us from God. I saw a meme on Facebook this morning that said, “Satan’s biggest lie is, if you do good you will go to heaven.” This reminded me of verses 10-11 in Isaiah 50.

In verse 10 those who fear the Lord obey his voice. In contrast, those in the darkness have no light. They are in darkness. God’s word tells them to “trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.” This is an invitation to step out of darkness and to come into the light.

Verse 11 talks about people trusting in their own light (leaning on their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). They kindle fire and equip themselves with burning torches. Note, this is not the light of the Lord, but the light of their own making. It represents anything we do on our own that makes us think we are good. This can include religion, good deeds, turning over a new leaf, etc. If it is from our own efforts, it’s a fire of our own making. And what is the result? The consequence is that those people “shall lie down in torment.” The Hebrew word for torment means “place of pain, place of grief.” It can also mean “terror.” Yikes! 

Grace through faith

That Facebook meme post I referred to earlier also included this verse: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). I’d also like to add v. 10 which says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Yes, good works are part of the Christian life, but good works aren’t what get us to heaven. We were created in Christ for good works. God prepared these works ahead of time. We are to walk in them. That word walk, in the Greek, means to make one's way, progress; to make due use of opportunities. So once we have stepped from darkness and accepted the gift of life, we walk in His light and take advantage of the opportunities he places before us because we love him and want to serve him.

Those who receive Him

In the first chapter of the Gospel of John, John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the “true light, which gives light to everyone (v 9). That he was “in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him (v. 10). That he came to his people but they did not receive him (v11). BUT, “all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (v. 12) and these believers were born spiritually not by some physical means, or the will of the flesh, or the will of man, but of God (v. 13).

Adam and Eve were created as eternal beings. When sin came into the world they became mortal. Their flesh began to die. It is because of sin that death, sickness, and corruption came into the world. But what most people don't understand is that they died spiritually too. And that is the condition of man. It is why we need to be born again.

We are still eternal beings, but our flesh is only a temporary abode. It is life after this that is forever. We will even receive a new eternal body. But where will we live? Our destination will depend on whether we believe the truth and become a child of light, or we reject that truth and remain in the darkness. The darkness that comes from lighting our own fire is the result of not believing.  

The Inheritance

In my Christian allegory, The Inheritance, people who have accepted the Truth bear the light within their hearts. They are Lightbearers. But others wear a man-made pendant of light around their necks and also call themselves lightbearers. The difference: their light is of their own making. 

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