Ointment poured forth (i)

“… Thy name is as ointment poured forth” (Song of Solomon 1:3).

In a recent conversation with a friend and brother who lives on the other side of the pond, we spoke about some of the precious thoughts that come to the mind of the Christian who compares the precious name of Christ to ointment. But we specially dwelt on the significance of the ointment, in this verse, being poured forth, and thought of three peculiar characteristics of ointment poured forth.

First, ointment poured forth influences everyone who is near. A bottle of perfume can be stored in a drawer for years without drawing attention. But try pouring out the perfume inside the drawer — all those who come into that room will notice the smell. They might not see the perfume. They might not know where the smell comes from. They might not enjoy it. But they will certainly know that perfume was poured forth in that room!

The name of our blessed Lord is ointment poured forth that influences every human being. They don’t all know Him. They don’t all seek Him. They don’t all love Him. But He influences all, in time or eternity, and all will have to recognize the majesty of His name. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11). When He was lifted up on Calvary, He drew all men onto Himself (John 12:32). His name is so glorious that no one can be indifferent to Him — His name is above very name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Eph. 1:21).

“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believers ear …” (read the rest of this lovely poem here).