April 13

Morning

My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts. — Song 1:13 BSB

Myrrh is a fitting symbol for Jesus—precious, fragrant, pleasant; it has healing, preserving, and purifying qualities and is connected with sacrifice. But why is He compared to a "bundle of myrrh"?

First, for His abundance. Jesus is not just a drop of myrrh—He is a whole casket full. He is not merely a sprig of myrrh—He is a bundle. In Christ, there is more than enough for all our needs. Let us not hesitate to take full advantage of Him.

Our Beloved is compared to a "bundle" for variety as well. Jesus is not just one thing we need—He contains all we could ever need. In Him, "the fullness of the Godhead" dwells. Look at Jesus in His many roles: Prophet, Priest, King, Husband, Friend, and Shepherd. Consider His life, death, resurrection, ascension, and His future return. Reflect on His virtues: gentleness, courage, self-denial, love, faithfulness, truth, and righteousness. In every aspect, He is a bundle of preciousness!

He is also a "bundle of myrrh" for preservation. Myrrh is not loose—it is tied up, kept safe. We should treasure Jesus as our greatest possession, keeping His words and knowledge of Him guarded in our hearts, lest the enemy try to steal them away.

Lastly, Jesus is a "bundle of myrrh" for sovereignty. This image speaks of His sovereign and discriminating grace. From before the foundation of the world, He was set apart for His people, and He reveals His fragrance only to those who are drawn into close communion with Him. Oh, how blessed are those whom the Lord has brought into His inner circle, those for whom He has set Himself apart! What a joy to say, "A bundle of myrrh is my Beloved to me!"

Evening

He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. — Lev 1:4 BSB

Our Lord’s being made "sin for us" is vividly illustrated by the significant transfer of sin to the sacrificial bullock, which was enacted by the elders of the people. The laying on of hands was not just a light touch but a deliberate, heavy leaning. In other parts of Scripture, the same word is used, as in "Your wrath lies hard upon me" (Psalm 88:7). This is the essence of faith—it doesn’t merely make contact with the Substitute but leans fully on Him, placing the entire burden of our guilt upon Him.

Jehovah caused the sins of His covenant people to meet upon the head of the Substitute, Jesus Christ. And each believer, by grace, is brought personally to participate in this act when, by faith, they lay their hand upon the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world.

Do you remember that glorious day when you first realized your pardon through Jesus, the sin-bearer? Can you not recall with delight the day of your deliverance? Laden with guilt and full of fears, you saw your Savior as your Substitute, and you timidly laid your hand upon Him. How timidly at first, but your courage grew, and your confidence was strengthened until you leaned your whole soul upon Him! Now, it is your constant joy to know that your sins are no longer imputed to you—they have been laid on Him. Like the good Samaritan, Jesus has said, concerning all your future sins, "Set that to My account." What a blessed discovery! What eternal solace for a grateful heart!

"My numerous sins transferred to Him,
Shall never more be found,
Lost in His blood’s atoning stream,
Where every crime is drowned!"