Most Precious and Crushed

Crushed Rose Petals are used for the most expensive perfumes.

So while a full bloom rose is deemed beautiful, this is not the end for some. Some flowers are saved to be crushed . . . like a redeeming act of God.

At first glance, it seems like a precious, beautiful, delicate, living thing is utterly destroyed; however, this is not an ordinary affair. The one crushed becomes a useful treasure for the king and the rose is considered nothing short of being highly-esteemed, -valued, -desirable, -prized, and ultimately called “most precious.”

Do you see the parallel?

When a life is poured out it becomes a pleasing fragrance for the King of Kings.

An Example

Pure Nard was used to anoint Messiah. Like a crushed beautiful rose, it flowed from the passionate love Mary had for her Savior (see Mark 14: 3 – 9; Matthew 26: 6 - 13). . . and how much more it flowed from the veins of Jesus Christ in passionate love for his people.

In plain speech, our model is JESUS CHRIST. He showed us how to live and how to die. He willing gave up his life and submitted himself to the will of the Father (Isaiah 53: 10); choosing to be crushed and crucified (not obliged).

This not only represents a costly gift of love, it is LOVE.

Homework

Come close and gaze at the Beautiful and Most Precious Rose

It is He who shed his blood and rose.

Conquering death. A mighty feat.

Such Victory!

Our Scripture Reading:

Isaiah 53: 4 -5; 12

4 Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed . . . 12 Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Our Victory Song:

Jesus Christ poured out for the remission of sin!

Our Battle Charge:

Ephesians 5: 1 – 2

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Additional reading: 2 Corinthians 2: 14 – 17.