As we approach Easter weekend it’s a good time to reflect on the most life changing event in all of history. The day that man was given the gift of eternal life and a heart to heart relationship with Jesus Christ.
As a squeamish person who detests things of a grotesque nature, I find it difficult to think on the crucifixion of my Lord. I don’t understand the concept of cruelty to anyone or anything. It’s not my nature. I have plenty of other issues of sin in my life, just not that one. I did not watch the movie the passion of Christ for that reason. It may have given me a greater understanding of the price He paid, but it would likely have also caused my mind to retain those images, and see them again and again, which I didn’t want to do.
This morning as I began to think on the oil of day which I would write about on the Ridgeview News, my mind traveled to those oils used in Jewish burial traditions.
THE JEWISH CUSTOM. “Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury“ (John 19:40). The custom of the Jews was generally to wash the body (Acts 9:37), anoint it by greasing the mixture of aromatics on it which would retard the decaying process. This was followed by covering the body with a linen winding-sheet with more of the mixed and pulverized myrrh and aloes shaken into the folds. The spices were spread over the sheet or bandages in which the body was wrapped.
Luke 23:50-56 KJV
And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: [51] (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. [52] This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. [53] And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. [54] And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. [55] And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. [56] And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Luke 24:1-3 KJV
Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. [2] And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. [3] And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
I’m not of the Bible Scholar league to tell you what oils and spices Joseph and the women used in the preparation of their ointments, but it is said of the oils of Frankincense and Myrrh that they are both the oils of worship and burial.
In the Messianic Psalm 45:8 it mentions the oils of gladness for which myrrh is one.
All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
Cassia is cinnamon! Which I also love.
As horrific as the crucifixion is for me to think on, it brings both sadness and joy that my Lord was willing to suffer for me in that manner so that I could have a relationship with Him.
When I began dabbling in oils I purchased both frankincense and myrrh solely from a spiritual perspective, I had no concept of what their purpose was for any other reason. However, they do have great qualities and purpose to keep in your arsenal of oils.
Supports Joint Function
Frankincense Essential Oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and pain in the joints. Research Frankincense together with Myrrh Essential Oil can help to suppress inflammation associated with arthritis.
Boosts Immunity
Frankincense is very helpful in boosting immunity in many ways. It contains a chemical called alpha-pinene which has potential anticancer activities according to research. Research links below. Moreover, because this essential oil has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps strengthen your immune support.
Promotes Youthful Skin
Frankincense Essential Oil’s anti-inflammatory properties are not only helpful in suppressing arthritic progression but also amazing in soothing skin issues like acne.
Promotes Hormone Balance
Perimenopausal women experience a variety of health-related symptoms derived from declining levels of estrogen secretion. Research shows that olfactory exposure to Frankincense Essential Oil increases salivary estrogen concentration and hence alleviates menopausal symptoms.
Centers
Frankincense Essential Oil is popular with people who meditate. It can help to improve focus and concentration by promoting a soothing and stress-free environment.
Promotes Rest
Because of this oil’s stress-reducing properties and calming spicy and woody aroma, you can diffuse it to set a restful environment that is conducive for rest and sleep
If you’d like to make your own arthritis & pain relief cream, below is the recipe.
Arthritis & Pain Relief Cream
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Coconut Oil
- 10-15 drops myrrh essential oil
- 10-15 drops frankincense essential oil
- 5 drops cassia essential oil
Instructions
- In small bowl microwave safe bowl, microwave the coconut oil until melted in 10-20 second intervals. (You can also use a double boiler if preferred)
- Add the essential oils into the coconut oil and mix together all ingredients until well blended.
- Pour into resealable glass jar and allow to cool
- To use, massage ointment over areas where you feel pain. Use twice daily.
Resources:
- Su S, Duan J, et al. Frankincense and myrrh suppress inflammation via regulation of the metabolic profiling and the MAPK signaling pathway. 2015 Sep
- Yingli Chen, Chunlan Zhou, et al. Composition and potential anticancer activities of essential oils obtained from myrrh and frankincense. 2013 Aug
- Xuesheng Han, Damian Rodriguez, Tory L Parker. Biological activities of frankincense essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts. 2017 Feb
- Shinohara K, Doi H, Kumagai C, Sawano E, Tarumi W. Effects of essential oil exposure on salivary estrogen concentration in perimenopausal women. 2017 Jan
- Han X, Rodriguez D, Parker TL. Biological activities of frankincense essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts. 2017 Feb
