How many spices and herbs have a home in your kitchen? I have lots. Some have moved with me couple of times, some I need to replace frequently because I use them so much. I came across a reference to spices in my bible time so I did a little research. Curiosity, you know, it takes me to all kinds of places.
I didn’t realize that throughout history spices have been an important and valuable resource. Wars have been fought over them. Did you know that Long Island was won for England in a war over nutmeg? Black peppercorns were so valuable they were used as currency and worth their weight in gold. In fact several online resources said that Attila the Hun and the Visigoths demanded 3000 pounds of pepper for the release of Rome in 410 AD after it had been captured.
The value of a spice stemmed not only from flavor but from aroma and it's use as a medicine. In the bible the word “spices” is used 31 times. The first time they are mentioned is in Genesis chapter 37, they are being carried to Egypt by the Ishmaelites to whom Joseph is sold, and later in the same book by Jacob when he sends his remaining sons back to Egypt with spices to be exchanged for food during a time of great drought. In Exodus there were spices specified by God to be used for anointing oil and fragrant incense used by Levite priests. Directions for creating these oils were provided by God himself. The Israelites were forbidden to replicate the formulas God provided because they were sacred.
Another mention of spices affirms their great value in biblical times. They were used by the very rich and royalty in weddings to prepare the bride for her groom. Wealthy folks kept spices as treasures stored in storehouses, the same way they stored silver and gold. Spices were given as gifts. The Queen of Sheba gave a huge amount to King Solomon in Chronicles 9:9.
The wise men gave frankincense and myrrh to the parents of baby Jesus. Both were very prized and valuable. They were used in burial and myrrh was also used in the anointing of kings.
The women who sought to attend Jesus body at the tomb took burial spices. These spices were not used to stop or delay decomposition but were rather used to coat the body. This was done to prevent foul odors associated with a decaying body. How wild is it that spices are cited at both the beginning and ending of Jesus time on earth?
In addition to references of spices in general there are specific references to individual spices. Cumin, cinnamon, nard, balsam (balm of Gilead), and saffron are some mentioned by name.
I know that just as each spice has a unique flavor and aroma. Each of us does too. Our talents, abilities, and personalities are as varied as anise and vanilla bean. I wonder if ,while we are out and about each day, the fragrance that wafts around us is a pleasant one? Are we acting as a balm that heals hurts or more like salt in open wounds? Are we aware of our value in the sight of God? We are so precious to him. He didn’t ask for pepper to secure our freedom, He sent His One and Only.
I want my life to have the qualities of spices in the bible. I want it to be worth it's weight in gold, soothing and healing, fragrant and pleasing. I want to do what Paul says in Ephesians 5:2
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.
A sacrifice and offering brought before others with love, even when we don’t feel very loving. How sweet that smell must be to our God. In Revelation 5:8 when the Lamb opens the scroll we see 24 elders fall before Him each with a golden bowl full of incense. It tells us the incense is the prayers of the saints. Let’s get to praying and fill up those bowls with the choicest of spices.
The humorist ,Erma Bombeck, said, “Once you get a spice in your home, you have it forever. Women never throw out spices. The Egyptians were buried with their spices. I know which one I'm taking with me when I go. “ Do you know which ones you are taking with you, not only when you go………but as you are going?
No comments:
Post a Comment