Counting the Omer The Value of a Day: Crispy Barley Cookies

May 9, 2006

It’s about harvest time. On the first day of counting, a thank offering of the first fruits of the barley harvest was brought before God. On Shavuot, the wheat harvest was celebrated. But there’s more to it than this.

Whereas Pesach was when God delivered His people from Egypt, Shavuot was when the Torah (Gen.–Deut.) was given at Mount Sinai. Jews ask, Why did God wait 50 days to give us the Torah? It took time to prepare them to receive the Torah. They had some growing up to do. Study Exodus 13:17–19:2 and see what God taught the children of Israel in those first 50 days of freedom.

It is the same with us. Every time God graciously delivers us from a sin that so besets us, a habit, or a lifestyle, we do not just automatically begin to walk a different way. We have to practice to become perfected. It happens a little at a time, day by day. If we were to go out to a wheat field every day, we would not notice a day’s growth, but after 50 days, we would see a harvest field! In the day by day count, God teaches us to number our days, enjoy each one, and know that He’s growing us up in Him every single day—even if we can’t see it happening.

Did God set you free from something this year? Now’s the season to walk in the new way, to train your mind to no longer be a slave to it. God says count to 50! Make the discipline fun. A special Israeli cookie has a sheaf of grain imprinted in it. Eating one a day reminds us to count. Try this barley cookie recipe and do the same. Barley is one of the seven species of Israel and is the oldest cultivated cereal in the Middle East. It contains less gluten than wheat, and because it’s lower in fiber than other grains, it is the easiest to digest. When you eat one, say a little blessing, thanking God for being your Deliverer and for His Word that teaches you how to live free from bondage

“ So teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom. ” Psalm 90:12

Crispy Barley Cookies

1 cup yogurt
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups whole barley flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 cups quick cooking oats

2 1/2 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup chocolate chips or raisins
1 cup pecans, chopped

Mix together first 6 ingredients. Add next 5 ingredients and mix well. Add remaining 3 ingredients and mix gently until combined. Drop by spoonfuls onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350oF (180oC) for 10 minutes. Do not overcook. Makes approx. 5 dozen.