The name “Smyrna” means “myrrh.” The city was named Smyrna because the primary product produced in that city at one time was myrrh. Myrrh is an extract from a tree, an aromatic gum resin, used as an ingredient in perfume (Psalm 45:8), an ingredient in anointing oil (Exodus 30:23), it was one of the gifts given to Jesus soon after his birth by the wise men from the east (Matthew 2:11), it was given at times to provide some sort of anesthetic relief (even as it was offered to Jesus (and refused by Jesus) as He hung on the cross — Mark 15:23), and finally, it was used to prepare bodies for burial, to cover the odor of decay — even as Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus used 100 pounds of aloe and myrrh on Jesus’ body as they wrapped his body with linen strips and placed it in the tomb (John 19:38.) It was a valuable, appealing fragrance, used to cover odors, to express worship, and to relieve pain. Myrrh is made from dried sap that flows from a wounded tree, where it has been broken or cut — the scent is released when heated — it’s made into a oil when pressed and heated…..interesting….it’s a substance produced through suffering, wounding, heating, pressing — something that is attractive, comforting, and covering…. Pastor Doug McClean Revelation 2:8-11 The Fragrant Fellowship ccdeltapa
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 10:25:00 +0000
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