Gifts of the Earth

So looking at this through a microscope we have:

 

Myrrh; which is anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and tonic.

 

Cinnamon; which is anti-bacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti parasitic, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, and a purifier.

 

Cassia, which is very similar to cinnamon in the type of tree and how its harvested.  It is also antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral.  Pass sample around

 

Calamus, which is similar to sugar cane in the way it grows, and in the sweetness derived thereof.

 

And, Olive Oil, which has healing properties of its own; is derived from both the fruit and the seed which have the potential for new life in the growing of a new tree.

 

So I guess you could say this was the Mr. Clean, or antibacterial cleanser of the day to be used in the tabernacle.  God didn't want his priests coming to worship and getting sick.  No, part of his plan is for us to be healthy.  If we get sick, he wants to heal us.

 

He recorded anointing with sacred oil many times for us to remember.  Why?  Was this something important to remember?  To continue to do?

 

Exodus 30:30  And thou shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate they, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.

 

And in Leviticus Moses took the anointing oil… and he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head and anointed him to sanctify Him.

 

Psalms 133:2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

 

This was no small quantity of oil!

 

It was the responsibility of the Levite priest, descendants of Aaron to prepare and maintain a supply of anointing oil.  They were referred to as "apothecaries: or perfumers.

I Chronicles 9:30

 

In Genesis 35:14 there is mention of a stone pillar that was anointed to seal a covenant between God and Jacob.

 

In II Samuel 1:21 and Isaiah 21:5 shields were anointed to strengthen and sanctify them for God's protection in battle.

 

In Exodus 29:2, Leviticus 2:4, 7:12 and Numbers 6:15 wafers of unleaven bread that were anointed were then eaten.  The anointing oil for the bread would have been either frankincense or the holy anointing oil of myrrh, cassia cinnamon, calamus and olive. 

 

In the New Testament we find a common act of hospitality in the washing and anointing of a travelers feet; a fragrant and luxurious treat for both giver and receiver.  (See Luke 7:46.)  The essential oils were antiseptic for any cuts or scrapes and analgesic for bruises and reducing pain in aching feet, legs and body.

 

So who, or what should we anoint with precious oil? 

 

I Peter 2:9  you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;

 

Who Me?  Yes, in acknowledging your relationship to the creator of all things, you become a  part of a royal priesthood with all the privileges that implies.

 

Not only should we use them on one another in Luke 10:1-9 we are called to heal the sick, and anoint them.

 

Luke 10:9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

 

Jesus schooled his disciples in the spiritual art of anointing to bring about healing using oil that contained precious spices and other aromatic oils

 

Mark 6:12-13 …And they went out, and preached that men should repent.  And they cast out many devils and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them"

 

These demons and devils, who were they?  Could they be what we now look at as viruses, bacterial infections, flu bugs?  Maybe they were negative emotions like anger, hatred, unforgiveness, revenge, bitterness, envy, pride, jealous, or resentment.

 

There are three words translated as healing in the Bible.  "Sozo" is found only three times in Mark 5:23, Luke 8:36 and Acts 14:9.  The word "sozo" literally means "to become sound or whole" in body, mind and spirit.

 

Miraculous or instantaneous healing, the word "iaomai" is used 30 times and "therapeudo" is used 40 times suggesting a period of time required to heal along with the anointing and prayer. 

 

The body, mind and spirit are not to be separated. God has given us tools to lift us up, heal our emotions as well as our physical aliments.