11 APRIL
Filled with his fragrance
‘Thy name is as ointment poured forth.’ Song of Solomon 1:3
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Psalm 22:1–31
How poured forth? We read in Mark 14 that the woman brought precious ointment in a box—and when she broke the box, then and not before, the whole house was filled with its fragrance. Thus the grace and virtue of this name was confined and known but to few while our Lord conversed upon earth—but afterwards it was poured forth when he suffered. The precious vessel that contained this precious ointment was broken upon the cross—the savour of his name, his love, his blood, poured out from every wound in his sacred body. See from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingling down. From that hour, it was quickly spread and diffused far and near. And here we are still to look for it. When we desire a new savour of this ointment, let us turn our eyes, our thoughts, to Golgotha. To behold him by faith as he hung bleeding and dying, with outstretched arms inviting our regards and saying, See if any sorrow was like to my sorrow. This is a sovereign balm for every wound and a cordial for our care.
FOR MEDITATION:
When on the cross, my Lord I see
Here I forget my cares and pains;
Bleeding to death, for wretched me;
I drink, yet still my thirst remains;
Satan and sin no more can move,
Only the fountain-head above,
For I am all transformed to love.
Can satisfy the thirst of love.
His thorns, and nails, pierce through my heart,
O, that I thus could always feel!
In every groan I bear a part;
LORD, more and more thy love reveal!
I view his wounds with streaming eyes,
Then my glad tongue shall loud proclaim
But see! he bows his head and dies!
The grace and glory of thy name.
Come, sinners, view the Lamb of GOD,
Thy name dispels my guilt and fear,
Wounded and dead, and bathed in blood!
Revives my heart, and charms my ear;
Behold his side, and venture near,
Affords a balm for every wound,
The well of endless life is here.
And Satan trembles at the sound.
SERMON: SONG OF SOLOMON 1:3 [4/5]
Milo 