[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during April 2026]
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Isaiah 55 v1 [ESVUK]
In the UK the 21st April has been designated as National Tea Day. Whether your preference is the scent of Earl Grey or the real taste of Yorkshire, this date gives us an excuse for an extra ‘cuppa’. A cup of tea is an excellent aid when reading the Scriptures so it is particularly disappointing that there is no mention of tea, as we know it, in the Bible.
However, extra-Biblical sources suggest that several varieties of herbs and spices were often used to prepare an infusion in water, both for medicinal purposes and as a refreshment. Principal amongst these were mint, hyssop and ginger; honey was used as a sweetener. We recall that Jesus used the example of herbs when he criticised those Jewish leaders who were being pedantic about religious observances:
But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God.
Luke 11 v42 [ESVUK]
Are we at risk of being judgemental about the way our brothers and sisters express their faith?
The same date also commemorates the birth of Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) in 1926. The late Queen was known to be a regular tea-drinker; her preferred choice was Earl Grey served with a splash of milk.[1] On at least one occasion she enjoyed a marmalade sandwich with her afternoon tea.[2]
There several mentions of queens in the Bible. As with the roll-call of the kings of Israel and Judah, there were queens who acted contrary to the will of God and those who chose to follow him. Amongst the former we can think of Jezebel who led the nation of Israel away from God; amongst the latter was Esther who used her position to save the Jewish nation from persecution. Jesus himself commended the Queen of Sheba for her search for wisdom:
The queen of the South will rise up at the judgement with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.
Matthew 12 v42 [ESVUK]
Jesus alluded to himself as ‘greater than Solomon’. What lengths will you go to in order to hear the wisdom that he offers?
Returning to our original theme, we find that John the visionary has recorded for us the final words of Jesus in the end time:
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
Revelation 22 v17 [ESVUK]
Are you thirsty, are you ready to respond to the ultimate invitation?
References:
[1] Queen Elizabeth favorite tea brand (via Google)
[2] Paddington takes tea with the Queen
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys