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Day 14: The Ointments of Christ (SoS 1:3a)

The Bride admits she is not the only one in love with her beloved, others loved Him too and she told why. She said:


"Because of the fragrance of your good ointments, Your name is ointments poured forth; Therefore the virgins love you."
Song of Songs 1:3

When you apply perfume, everyone knows you're wearing one though they can't see it because of the fragrance. The fragrance is proof of the perfume. Our Bridegroom King Jesus likewise wears ointments (perfumes) we cannot see but we perceive their odor. Ointments in ancient times were for two major purposes: they were either for healing or for cosmetic purposes. There were two instances Jesus was anointed in the scriptures and they correlate with these two purposes:
  1. He was anointed at His baptism
At Jesus'  baptism the bible tells us as He came out of the water, the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove and remained. Acts 10:38 says about that incident:

"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."

Many were not there when Jesus was anointed, and even of those that were there, the bible records in John 1:32-33 that it was only John the Baptist who saw the Spirit descend on Him like a dove. But the fragrance of that anointing, the proof was the signs and wonders He performed. He received the Holy Spirit so that He might use His anointing as a healing balm for the wounds of men while He walked the earth.
  1. He was anointed for His burial:
When Mary anointed Jesus' feet her action was criticized, but Jesus defended her by saying she did it in preparation for His burial. By burial, Jesus meant His suffering and death on the cross.
In the old testament, burnt sacrifices had an aroma that was said to be sweet-smelling to God. Ephesians 2:5 says about Christ:

"And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."

Christ's offering and sacrifice of His life was a fragrance to God, a sweet-smelling aroma. Isaiah 53:10 tells us that it pleased the Lord to bruise, to afflict Christ on the cross for our sakes. So when Mary anointed Him, it was for cosmetic purposes, but not the kind the people there thought. It was not to make Him appear good to men but as an honor and gratitude for his sacrificial love. A symbol that His life was most pleasing to God because He laid it down in obedience. Though His sacrifice was an act of love for man, it was also an act of obedience to God. And God is always pleased with obedience.

Christ's 'anointings' signify two things His works among men and His sacrifice to God. Christ was not only a sweet fragrance among men, He was a sweet-smelling sacrifice to God. Our love for Him is rooted in these two.

We must each day acknowledge His works in our lives and all around us, but above that, we must acknowledge His sacrifice on the cross. Though knowledge of His works may endear our hearts to Him, it is contemplating His sacrifice that births all-consuming zeal and passion for Him.

PRAY WITH ME:
Jesus, I am grateful for your works in my life but much more I am grateful for your incomparable love and sacrifice. Let a revelation of this love fill my heart with love for you all over again. Amen.

REFLECT AND ACT:
  • Look around you and acknowledge the works of Jesus in thanksgiving.
  • Read Isaiah 53, note the verses that give the reasons for Christ's huge sacrifice, and meditate on them.

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