Camomile Tea

A few years ago, I decided to tidy my medicine cabinet. I found a bottle of calamine lotion. Unfortunately, it 'expired' in ‘Aug 88’; it was duly dusted, and returned to its place. Last week, I was given a cup of camomile tea. It tasted like a cup of my expired lotion, diluted with hot water. It was a truly horrible drink. Various websites list this beverage’s many supposed benefits, yet I shall not drink of the accursed liquid ever again, health or no. If I were to do so, I should be no better than Solomon’s dog returning to its vomit. Literally.

I was once advised that the best medicine always has the worst taste. Although I recall Calpol and Amoxicillin as being quite agreeable to my childhood palate, medicines are generally unpleasant. The Hebrew prophet Ezekiel was instructed to eat a scroll, symbolising God’s word:

“Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll. And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.” So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness. (Ezekiel 3:1-3)

Yet the Apostle John, writing in a similarly awkward book to interpret, was also asked to ‘eat’ a symbol of God’s word:

Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. And he said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.” Revelation 10:10-11

Whatever the supposed benefits of camomile tea, even while making allowance for the potential existence of human beings who enjoy its flavour, God’s word is both sweet and bitter. Both Ezekiel and John were denouncing sin to an apostate nation and world; although God’s righteousness is sweet to those who love Him, it is a terror and a bitterness to those who reject Him. To those who believe, He is precious and His word a vital tonic; to those who reject Him, He is the bitterest opponent and most dreadful enemy.

Now therefore, be wise, O kings;

Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

Serve the Lord with fear,

And rejoice with trembling.

Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,

And you perish in the way,

When His wrath is kindled but a little.

Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him. Ps 2:10-12, NKJV