I Believe In You

Apparently scientific research has discovered that pain can be endured at higher levels when a sufferer can smell a beautiful fragrance. The awareness of a beautiful aroma helps a person endure up to 70% more pain than one would otherwise endure without it! Possibly this could be useful in childbirth and post operative recovery.

When I heard of this report I thought of Mary of Bethany's offering of precious and fragrant oil she reserved especially for her Lord and Saviour. She had come to know Him so well because she had been at His feet and hearing His word. She not only listened but received all He had to say deep within her heart. Possibly she was among the very few that really understood just what the Lord Jesus had actually come to do.

The oil was contained in a little alabaster box and when the time was right she opened it and poured out all its contents onto His head. As the oil began to work its way down His body some of course would have penetrated His garments as the aroma filled the house where they were.

As it finally reached His feet Mary was there waiting to wipe them with her hair and kiss them tenderly, much to the disdain of some who were present at the time who thought her actions were a waste of resources.

It has been suggested that the fragrance would have still been on His person while suffering on the cross! While He refused the wine mingled with gall that was offered to Him, (to help relieve some of the pain He was enduring) He could still smell the beautiful fragrance of Mary's offering she gave so lovingly to Him just six days before.

The fragrance of Mary's offering would have risen up to remind Him that somebody did care and did love Him. Could it be that perhaps it was telling Him something like this: “I believe in you. I believe this is the reason why you came; so that those you love could be with you someday. You are not the victim here but the victor and soon the battle will be won”.