{Bible Journal, Feb. 11, 2026}

Through a long, bitter yet rewarding journey, I’ve come to realize how deeply I have misunderstood Your provision for our vibrant health on this earth — a provision You established before You created us.

On the third day, You said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so (Genesis 1:11).

And for thousands of years people ate Your bounty. But I was born within the last 100 years, where Your bounty has gradually been adulterated by man in the name of convenience and profit. What is described as food is not entirely food. Natural bread contains maybe four or five ingredients—wheat flour, water, salt, yeast. Even yeast was fermented from water and flour. Now, with upwards of 15+ ingredients in our bread, many of which are chemicals, it’s no surprise that our bodies get overloaded with toxins and misfire into ill health. After my own spiraling into long-term sickness, it was Your bounty that restored my body and I am so grateful.

VEGETATION

In reading about the day You created vegetation, for me it was often a skimmed-over verse with little reflection. But now I marvel at Your provision. Let the earth bring forth grass (ḏeše)—the beautiful covering that blankets the land. And to bring forth every herb (eśeb) that yields seed—Your abundant provision for our nourishment: from the flowing grains of wheat, barley, and spelt, to the plants that bear vegetables, to the greenery that gives us healing herbs and fragrant spices for both restoration and savory foods.

I am also truly in awe of the tender sprouts of Your created herbs (eśeb). These young herbaceous shoots, packed full of concentrated vitamins and minerals, are easy to grow and akin to a natural supplement—an answered prayer as I have struggled under the weight of soaring costs of organic supplements.

Then, of course, there is nature’s candy—fruit—offering both sweetness and sustenance. Let the earth bring forth the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself.

HEALING LEAVES

One thing has recently piqued my curiosity. I am hopeful for Your insight on the healing leaves mentioned twice in Your Word.

Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine (also translated leaves for healing) (Ezekiel 47:12).

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:1-2).

Both visions speak of a future hope, which I believe reflects Your perfect design—the beauty, purity, and sustenance of springs, trees, and fruit as You first intended them.

This hope of renewed creation leads me to wonder about the healing leaves in Ezekiel’s vision. Do these fruit leaves speak only of spiritual restoration, or might Ezekiel’s words also point to physical healing? If they do speak of physical healing, is this something new for the future, or a return to the wholeness You designed from the beginning—a natural medicine embedded in creation itself? Could it be that the leaves of fruit trees have always carried a special touch of Your healing power?

Not only does Your infallible Word speak of healing leaves, but our ancient wisdom—as well as bona fide scientific studies—affirm the same truth: the medicinal nature of leaves. Of course, all such knowledge by way of ancient wisdom and bona fide scientific studies were and continue to be provided by You. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6).

I have studied and heard much about the medicinal benefits of herbs and herbal leaves. As You know, I have found great benefit from the properties of yarrow, holy basil, peppermint, echinacea, and so many more. Yet I remain fascinated concerning whether there is something extra special in the healing properties of leaves from fruit trees described in Ezekiel’s vision.

In the midst of this study, I discovered a podcast featuring Jordan Rubin, which felt nothing short of providential, as he expressed tremendous enthusiasm for Ezekiel 47:12 and the healing leaves of fruit trees. It was such a profound moment. I have started reading and studying his book, The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe, with special interest on the chapter on Healing Leaves. Jordan describes fruit tree leaves as the Bible’s best-kept secret hidden in plain sight.

Lord, I pray that You will bless my readings and studies and provide wisdom in the sustenance and healing of Your life-giving bounty.