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Set Apart for God’s Glory (The story of anointing oil) Frankincense & Myrrh Both Frankincense (Boswellia) & Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) are resins produced by certain trees that grow on both sides of the Red Sea. Along with gold, they were given to the Lord Jesus by the wise men as symbols of his humanity, his coming sufferings and his diety (Mt 2:11) Rose of Sharon While we are uncertain of the modern translation of "Rose of Sharon", many scholars agree it is most likely the cistus, or rock-rose commonly found in the Mount Carmel area of Palestine. Jesus is often called the "Rose of Sharon" because of the beauty and sweetness His presence brings. Lily of the Valley The term "lily" covered a wide variety of flowers ranging from colorful to the purest of white. It is probably the latter to which Jesus refers when He told us to "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." (Mt 6:28-29). Latter RainAs often happens in the Scriptures, the term "latter rain" bears both a temporal & spiritual meaning. God desires to bless His people with the "former" rain moderately and then the "latter" rain allowing us to gather in the harvest intended for those who love our God. "that I will give the rain of your land in it's season, the former rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy grain, and thy new wine, and thine oil." (Dt 11:14) Deuteronomy 11:14 Proverbs 16:15 SpikenardPure Nard esteemed by the ancients as one of the most precious perfumes, was used by Mary to anoint the head and the feet of Jesus then dry them with her hair in total expression of her love, devotion and appreciation. (John 12:3; Mark 14:3). It is the root of an Indian plant, Nardostachys Jatamansi , of the family of Valeriance, growing in the Himalaya mountains. PomegranateDid you know when those of the Jewish faith celebrate Rosh HaShanna in the latter weeks of September, many make it a point to include pomegranates with their feasts? Why would they do that? because their tradition portrays the pomegranate as a symbol of righteousness. In the New Testament book of Luke there is the story of an event that happened in the early days of Jesus’ ministry. A woman of the street entered, uninvited, into a house where Jesus was a dinner guest. Kneeling at his feet, she anointed them. With her tears, she dampened them. With her hair, she dried them. With her lips, she continually kissed them. When the host, a Pharisee, challenged Jesus for allowing this, he responded with the teaching of the “Unforgiving Debtor.” When he had finished his teaching he asked, “Do you see this woman?” He then went on to declare, “Her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:41-48). Apparently, according to these words of Jesus, true righteousness comes and is evidenced by a completely changed heart. |
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