A Day-by-day devotional

May 3, 2023

Biltong, not jerky

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 18-20

Scripture of the Day: Zechariah 7:11-14

“When you have a lot to do, start with a meal“. This is according to a proverb from what is dubbed as the rainbow nation of South Africa.

As I am very good friends with a South African, I have been exposed a bit to its food, language and culture, although I have not yet visited the country. One South African thing I got to try is their version of the beef jerky. My friend would insist though that it is not beef jerky. It is in fact, called biltong.

Since I am a fan of the beef jerky for snacking, and one of my most favorite hams is prosciutto, biltong, being somewhat in between, came to my liking. Biltong though, is far more tender. This is attributed to its curing process which entails soaking in vinegar and spices for about a day. This is then followed by long periods of air drying. Vinegar tenderizes the meat due to its ability to break down proteins. In addition, the slow drying process concentrates the protein as the meat dries.

The bible speaks in many places, about hardened hearts. Man‘s heart tends to be hardened by anger, resentment, pride, and rebellion towards God. Nevertheless, although that may be the case, God has a hammer that is able to tenderize a hardened heart. This hammer is His Word, which can break even rocks into pieces (Jeremiah 23:29).

A hardened heart is characterized by a spiritual condition wherein the person refuses correction from God. Although convicted in his wrongdoing, he still continues to do what he is not ought to. This is a proud and rebellious heart.

However, like vinegar that tenderizes the soaked meat, when a person is soaked in God’s Word, it penetrates his spirit. The Word diffuses and is able to make the hard heart tender. The vinegar, together with the spices, cure the meat and preserves it. It is nonetheless a matter of attitude. In this case like cured meat, his heart should be more like biltong, not jerky.

One notable difference between jerky and biltong is their texture and consistency. Jerky is harder to bite on, whereas biltong is more tender and easier to chew. When the Word of God convicts and corrects us, as it would often do (Hebrews 4:12), we should allow it to tenderize our hearts. When our heart is tender, it is preserved.

The Lord promises a new heart and spirit. He alone can change a heart of stone into a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).

Reflection: Whenever you read God’s Word, it is definitely going to speak to you and provide you correction. Do you allow the Word to penetrate your heart? Or do you stubbornly refuse for it to be tenderized?

Prayer: Father, tenderize my heart. Replace my stubbornness with the humility to listen to what you have to teach me. Amen.