Hyssop. What is hyssop? I got stuck on this word today and decided to search it out. I knew it was a plant, but why was a hyssop plant chosen to be used for cleansing? What I found was interesting to me.
See how one little plant can teach you a lot about God.
“Hyssop also has uses in the garden; it is said to be a good “companion plant” to cabbage because it will deter the Cabbage White butterfly. It has also “been found to improve the yield from grapevines if planted along the rows, in particular if the terrain is rocky or sandy, and the soil is not as easy to work as it might be.” Hyssop is said to be useful in controlling pests and encouraging fertilization without the use of unnatural methods.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyssop) Wikipedia also mentioned the various times it was mentioned in the bible: in Exodus when the blood of the sacrifices was applied to the doorpost using hyssop on the night of the Passover, in the New Testament when Jesus was on the cross and a sponge was put on a hyssop branch and brought up to His mouth for Him to drink, then again in Psalms, Matthew, and Mark.
So, my little mind starts comparing words.
· Good “companion plant”: God is our great companion. He is our friend. I know that knowing God is not just about “knowing who He is” (even Satan knew all about Him) but having a relationship with Him. He is my confidant, savior, and my rock. He is always there to listen to me and to talk with me. He will not leave me nor forsake me. He is my friend. The greatest companion ever!
· Deter: God will deter (frighten/discourage) the sin in my life. He will guard me and protect me. Will I sin? Duh, yes, I am only human. But, with God I have the strength to deter temptation, walk away from sin, and know when I have sinned.
· Improve the yield: We, Christians, are called to produce. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:37-38. We are to share God’s Word and love with others through Him. Increase His people.
· Terrain is rocky or sandy, and the soil is not as easy to work as it might be: This world we live in is often rocky and not easy to work in. But He was sent for a purpose. We are here for a purpose. (2 Corinthians 5:9) Again, through the strength of God, we will flourish and grow. There are and will be tough times in life, but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
· Useful in controlling pests and encouraging fertilization without the use of unnatural methods: Controlling pests and encouraging a good life is not “unnatural” for God. His is the real deal. The all natural. All you need is Him!
Psalms 51:7
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
I also discovered that the aroma of the bright blue hyssop flowers is indescribably excellent. This is an underappreciated herb. 2 Corinthians 2:15 says, “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.” Do you sometimes feel that you are not appreciated? Well, you are! God appreciates you. He wants you to have His sweet aroma and be a Christ-follower. Take a whiff. Smell a Christ-like fragrance. It is the most precious perfume you will ever wear.
Psalm 51:6-9: “But you desire honesty from the womb,teaching me wisdom even there. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt.”
Have a beautiful and “sweet-smelling” day!
| April 27 |