How does the mention of "myrrh and incense" relate to worship and devotion? Fragrance on the Desert Breeze “Who is this coming up from the wilderness like columns of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense from every kind of fragrant powder?” (Song of Songs 3:6) Why Fragrance Matters in Scripture • God repeatedly links aroma with acceptance. • Tangible scents help the heart grasp invisible truths—sacrifice, prayer, presence. • Myrrh and incense anchor these themes in both Old and New Testaments. Myrrh—Scent of Sacrifice and Costly Love • Ingredient in the holy anointing oil for the tabernacle (Exodus 30:23-25). • Mixed with wine offered to Jesus on the cross, symbolizing suffering (Mark 15:23). • Used in His burial by Nicodemus—“a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds” (John 19:39). • Picture: costly devotion that embraces self-giving love and even death. Incense—Smoke of Prayer and Nearness • God’s command: “Offer fragrant incense before Me continually” (Exodus 30:7-8, 34-38). • David prayed, “May my prayer be set before You like incense” (Psalm 141:2). • Heavenly fulfillment: “The golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (Revelation 5:8). • Picture: continual worship rising toward God, welcomed and pleasing. Bringing the Two Together in Songs 3:6 • The procession out of the wilderness evokes Israel’s journey with God’s presence in a pillar of cloud (Exodus 13:21-22). • The groom’s fragrance of myrrh and incense previews Christ, whose sacrificial love (myrrh) and mediating priesthood (incense) draw the bride to Himself. • Columns of smoke signal public, unmistakable worship; the couple’s union becomes a testimony. Christ-Focused Fulfillment • “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). • The Magi’s gifts—“gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11)—honor Him as King, God, and sacrificial Savior in one act of worship. Lessons for Devotion Today • Let worship cost something. Myrrh’s expense reminds us that genuine devotion involves wholehearted surrender. • Keep prayers rising. Incense never burned out in the tabernacle; likewise, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Combine heart and habit. Fragrance fills every corner; personal piety should overflow into visible witness. • Remember Christ’s aroma. When we live in His saving work, “we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ” among the world (2 Corinthians 2:15). Summary Snapshot Myrrh highlights sacrificial love; incense highlights continual worship. In Songs 3:6 both scents mingle, foreshadowing Christ and inviting believers into costly, constant devotion that rises pleasingly before God. |
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