Every time…
…I drive down a street canopied by interlaced trees, I think of the elms standing sentry over the town of my childhood.
Every time…
…I hear Trumpet Voluntary by Henry Purcell, I’m transported back to my wedding day.
Every time…
…I stroke soft velvet, I remember the turquoise velvet dress my mother wore—over fifty years ago.
Every time…
…I eat raspberries, my grandmother comes to mind. She made the best jam with fresh berries from her own bushes in the backyard.
Every time…
…I smell a wood fire, visions of family-reunion picnics float in my memory.
Our senses are powerful catalysts for memories and emotional response. But out of the five, researchers say the most powerful is the sense of smell.
So when the ancients read this scripture verse, what images came to their minds?
“All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad” (Psalm 45:8).
First, a bit of background might be helpful:
Psalm 45 was composed for a royal wedding. Verse eight, about the groom’s robes, might refer to a long-held custom in the Middle East of perfuming one’s clothing, especially for special occasions.
But the imagery of the psalm also speaks prophetically of another “wedding”–between Christ and his bride, the church.
Many of the descriptors for the Groom fit Jesus perfectly:
“You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever…In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds” (vs. 2-4).
But if the psalm is a word-picture for the relationship of Christ to his church, what is the significance of verse 8? Why the description of his robes, fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia?
Perhaps the pleasing, aromatic scents represent all the pleasing virtues Jesus embodied: his love, wisdom, and grace.
Perhaps they are also an allusion to his burial. In ancient times, spices were also used in the embalming process.
After the crucifixion, you’ll remember that Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, who brought seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes to wrap within the linen burial strips (John 19:38-40).
Why would the same spices be used at Jesus’ death and at the great Wedding Supper yet to come?
Bible teacher, Ray Stedman, explains: The resplendent wedding described in Psalm 45 is made possible by a death—the death of the Groom himself. Only out of his death could come this glorious celebration. And now, the fragrance of his beauty is everywhere!
Have you ever hugged someone and then carried away with you the scent of that person’s cologne?
The aroma of Christ should cling to us just like that.
“Everywhere we go people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16, The Message).
* * * * * * * * * *
Oh, Lord Jesus, I delight in the sweet fragrance of all your glorious attributes. May my words and actions diffuse your exquisite fragrance of life, love and grace to everyone around me.
(Photo and art credits: http://www.saveourelms.com; http://www.footage.shuttershock.com; http://www.dwellingintheowrd.wordpress.com; http://www.divinerevelations.info.)
From the Inside Out 
I just love how you took this Psalm and tied it to the resurrection. How wonderful. You have made my evening!!
Thank you, Jean. I’m honored you found the post meaningful.
Once again, you paint such beautiful word pictures. Thank you. I can almost inhale the scents.
Thank you, Grace. You are very kind.
Beautiful words<3 I remember your wedding day! Love your beautiful messages and your beautiful heart for our Lord and Savior!
Love to you,
Julie
Hello, Julie! What a treat to see your name in my inbox.
One of my favorite pictures from Steve’s and my wedding day was taken in my grandparents’ apartment after the ceremony. All the Finnegan cousins were sitting with me, including you!
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I’m praying you have an especially blessed day!
Nancy
You are a long lost cousin I remember so very well. Your writing is beautiful .
Hello, Denise! WOW! Is it really you?! How ARE you?
I remember you, too, at the numerous family get-togethers–with plenty of food, laughter and love. Precious memories!
Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting.
Love this reflection on the sensory nature of Psalm 45. A great reminder for us to bring our imagination to the reading of scripture in order to make it come alive!
Thank you, Russell. I’m a visual learner, so images are constantly floating in my head!
Nancy, you weave the most beautiful words! The aroma of Christ–isn’t that kind of a mind-boggling concept? But so true.
(By the way, Psalm 45:1 is my life verse….the second part, “…my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”) I’m going to go back and look at the rest of it again….
Thank you, Jody. Coming from such a talented writer as you, that is a very humbling compliment! Psalm 45:1 is a PERFECT life verse for you! But I would include the first part as well: “My heart bursts its banks, spilling beauty and goodness” (The Message). In every post you write, your praise and passion for God bursts forth. And your words spill beauty and goodness–to him and for us!
Blessings upon you, dear Sister!
Beautiful! I’m making your prayer my own. I love the thought of others being able to breathe in the fragrance of Him in my life. Grace and peace to you today!
I am humbled and honored that you desire to make my prayer your own.
God’s grace and peace HAVE been with me today. Thank you!
I delight in scents and am constantly spraying them throughout my home. I will never again do so without connecting it to II Corinthians 2:14-16, as well as to your prayer above. “A Sweet Scent” (this posting) is a sweet treasure!
That IS a great scripture to review several times a day. Thank you, Cheri, for your “sweet” comments!