Monday, March 26, 2012

MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2012


Oil of Joy

Scripture:  You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. Psalm 45:7

The act of anointing for the people of Israel was one of extreme generosity! They poured fragrant oils upon a brother or sister who was set apart for the service of God.  Remember the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive oil?  The aroma must have filled the whole room!

At this point in your life, you may have faced challenges such as the death of a loved one, foreclosure of a home, the loss of a job or a broken relationship.  In the midst of challenging times it is easy to feel broken.  However, know that God has set you apart just now, even today, not only for service, but also to live in God’s perpetual joy.  This joy and delight comes from belonging to a God who calls you friend. 

Imagine yourself right now entering into a banquet hall with a banner over you that says, I love you! As you enter, the host begins to liberally pour fragrant lavender and frankincense oils upon you.  You are saturated, you are overtaken with fragrance, your skin soaks up the nutrients from the oils and the aroma is infused all through your being.  

The oil of joy will enable you to smile in spite of the situations around you: the oil of joy will invite you into a fresh relationship with God; the oil of joy will come from within and fill you with pleasure as you gently walk with Jesus Christ!  The oil of joy will enable you to share hope, faith and love with others because within and all round you is the aroma of joy.  With confidence you will be able to say, “This is a joy that the world did not give me and the world cannot take away.”  And, yes, you are worthy of it! 

Prayer:  Dear God, thank you that you are so generous with me and you pour the fragrant oil of joy upon me without measure.  Enable me to be aware of the joy and delight you have placed within me and enable me to share it with others. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 The Reverend Everdith Landrau

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Resources

http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/