Those who live in humid climates experience a lot of sweat, which could be sticky and stinky. It is a natural cooling mechanism that regulates body temperature. Sweat increases due to heat, hard work, fear, stress, exercise…etc. The Bible mentions sweat thrice.
The Fall
When Adam and Eve chose to eat the forbidden fruit, they sinned: ungratefulness, covetousness, unbelief or doubt, disobedience, and rebellion. The immediate consequence of sin was the curse that came upon Adam and the whole of humanity. (Genesis 3:17-19) Cultivating is hard work, unlike kitchen and ornamental gardens in the cities. Humans must do hard work as there would be unfruitfulness due to thorns and thistles, as well as there would not be optimum yield. It is also interpreted as anxiety as Adam or any human will struggle with limited resources to provide for the family, keep up good health, make provision for children, sickness…etc. Sadly, other anxieties overwhelm people induced by social media.
The Ministry
Prophet Ezekiel also writes about sweat. He foresaw a new temple with God’s glory. It is a vast structure, a source of blessing. The priests would serve in the temple and would wear linen, not wool that would make them sweat. (Ezekiel 44:17-18) The ministry in the temple is hard work, offering, and burning sacrifices on the altar. Those in ministry should not work on their own power and effort, instead do it according to God’s Will, with His resources.
Redemption
Physician Luke writes about the agony of Lord Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. He reports that his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:44) Lord Jesus reversed the decision of Adam. For Adam said: My will, not yours. Lord Jesus said: Your will, not mine. His sweat, with blood, overturned the curse. He embraced death, buried in the dust of the earth, and rose again to provide salvation for humanity and a promise of eternity where there would not no sweat due to toil or worry or fear or anxiety and every tear wiped away.
Am I grateful for the sweat of blood of the Lord?