The Gift of Myrrh

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The Gift of Myrrh – body balm and medicine.

Myrrh is the sap-like resin that comes from a thorny bush in the desert regions of Arabia, Ethiopia, and Somalia. After the gum resin is collected it is stored for about three months while it hardens into a fragrant beads. When crushed and mixed with oil it becomes a fragrant perfume. When mixed wine it was used as a pain reliever. 

Myrrh is mentioned three times as the gospel writers shared their accounts of the life of Jesus. 

The first: When they saw the star, they (the Magi) were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11

Second: Then they offered Him wine mixed with myrrh, but He did not take it. And they crucified Him. Mark 35:23-24 

Third: Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus . . .With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. John 19:38:39

 Myrrh is one of the oldest medicines in the world, and was a primary ingredient in incenses and holy oils used to inspire prayer, deepen meditation, and revitalize the spirit.

The Gift of Myrrh – spiritual balm and medicine.  

We need the gift of prayer – inspired by the Holy Spirit, Mediated by Jesus Himself, and received at the Father’s throne of grace. 

We need the gift of quiet meditation – time spent in the Lord’s presence, time to hear His quiet voice, time to receive His blessings of peace for chaos, strength for weakness, comfort for hurting, and joy for living. 

We need the gift of a revitalized spirit – new life breathed into our brokenness. Forgiveness given from the heart of gracious God who has chosen to cover us with His love. 

We need the Gift of Myrrh.  

Father, Thank you for the gift of myrrh. Thank you for blessing us with Jesus the balm and medicine for our every need. 

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