Jeremiah eight twenty
two
Is there no balm in Gilead ? Is there
no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?
When the alabaster seal is loosed, the constrained frankincense
rises up to heaven. Its fragrance condenses in the bowl of incense and a holy
mist clouds the heavens. As the perfume thickens, drops of Myrrh trickle down
to the parched wounded earth. Nations groan in want of heaven’s soothing
liniment and the translucent stones thirst for the healing oil of Gilead .
In silent thunder, the three kings travel on the desert
camel to the middle space where heaven meets earth. On bended knee they offer
their secret gifts to the broken hearted stones. Only the consecrated
alabaster, receive the tender mercy oil for they know the gifts worth. Myrrh
stained tears stream out of the abandoned holy place and heal the potter’s
cracked stones. In fullness of purity the oil is received. In extravagant
mercy, the oil is shared.
In Holy Communion, the poor in spirit steward the healing
oil of Gilead .
His sovereign heart is the gold we seek but the treasure is
too costly for most. Settling for costume instead of the gold signet ring of
our King, the remnant mourns. And on that day those in the secret place will
know the treasures of the Kings heart. The hidden quiver will snuggle in the
breastplate of righteousness and holy intimacy will replace the want of desire.
Whose finger will bear the seal and whose hands will pour
out the healing balm of Gilead?
Haggai two twenty
three
"In that day, says the Lord of hosts, I will take you, Zerubbabel
My servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the Lord, and will make you like a signet
ring; for I have chosen you, says the Lord of hosts."