What Spiritual connections does the Myrtle Tree have for us? (Take a stab at the answer. Then, return after you complete this lesson and write down your learnings)-This is another technique I use to teach youngers to check their comprehension?
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Perhaps, you have heard of the Myrtle tree. If you live in Oregon, you know all about it. I know you’ve read it in scripture, but most of us just read over small details. This is when we miss some of the most important information. In order to understand a literary work, you must understand the context in which it was written. The Bible is no different! Hopefully, you find this to be true! I believe that teaching Biblical content is my current purpose!
God wants saturated the entire land of Judea with myrtle trees. Myrtle trees need a very rich soil to prosper. In the Middle East, the tree never loses its leaves. In the United States the tree is kind of like an evergreen tree. The blooms of this tree flowers into giant-sized white flowers. These white flowers bloom in the Spring and contain an amazing aroma. Jews believed that white meant purity and if you were pure you were also clean. The word clean means to be absolved of sin and immortality would be your reward. They also knew purple was the color of royalty and spender. In ancient times, women would often dry these flowers and use them in their homes for potpourri. They would also make necklaces and bracelets for both the wrists and the ankle.
On a side note; Queen Easter’s name in Hebrew means Myrtle. Like Lavender, Myrtle is a soft essential oil. The word soft means mild. The mildness/meekness of this essential oil permitted for the common use of this oil. Many people today admit that Myrtle essential oil is a staple in their homes. It is such a soft essential oil that it can be rubbed on the skin of even a newborn; therefore, adults use Myrtle essential oil as a skin softener.
We also find the mention of Myrtle in Scripture around six times. According to Nehemiah chapter 8 the Myrtle bloom was used during the feast of Tabernacles. This is one of the four plants blessed by the Lord. You see, to be used during this feast, a plant had to have three leaves and grown from one point. What do you think that symbolizes?
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Of course, it does! The Trinity of, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. What is The Feast of Tabernacles? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This was the last feast of the year. It was done about harvest time; therefore, it is also known as the harvest gathering. For eight days, Jews would gather, build temporary tents, and live outside. This was to remind them of the time God ‘s people spent in the wilderness. Trusting God by moving their people by the cloud in the day and fire by in the night. Now, since we have discussed a few details of Jewish history. Let’s turn to the book of Zachariah. This book can be located by turning to Matthew and then carefully turn back two chapters. Then, you’ll find the book of Zachariah 1. The book of Zachariah is perhaps one of the most refreshing books of the Old Testament. Most of the books found in the Old Testament convey judgment, but Zachariah brought words of comfort to God’s people.
Zachariah wrote his chapter after their exile from slavery. The world was at rest, because Persia had concurred all the territories. Much like today, our world is at rest, but trouble continues to surface. Wars and rumors of war abound. The red horse and man that stands in the middle represents Jesus. Jesus is standing in the mist of all who love him. Jesus is not afar off looking down at His people, but He is in the low place with his people. He has brought His angles to encompass them. Just like today, Jesus offers His protection, and secures it with His angelic beings.
Zachariah explains his vision with this perfect picture. His people are experiencing hay and stubble. There world and property are heavily damaged. Life seems to be unrepairable! The people are depressed and see no light at the end of the tunnel. But Then, God reveals His plan through this chosen vessel. God reminds His people that He will never leave or forsake them. He is always in control and with Him all things are possible. Finally, within the next couple of years, the temple is rebuilt, and the people are once again prosperous.
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