Monday, 6 February 2012

The Balm of Gilead














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?

 The healing of creation unfolds in the broken alabaster jar.

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."

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