“Words of Wisdom”—a daily dose of “words to the wise”–Day 13

This blog entry is another in a series featuring a daily dose of “words to the wise,” poetically expressed from the Book of Proverbs.

As I began the day reflecting upon wisdom and looking over some of the poetry that I had written with references to wisdom, I came across a journal entry written over ten years ago where I discussed the term “apothecary” which is part of the name used for my blog. Here is an excerpt:

“[I am] reading Exodus 25: a discussion of the recipe given to Moses to prepare the holy anointing oil for the tabernacle, to be “compounded after the art of the apothecary.” I am moved to tears as I read the passage and think of the years I spent as a pharmacist; indeed, I was endeavoring to follow recipes “to compound after the art of the apothecary.” Only within the last three or four years have I come to realize the connection between the natural and the spiritual within the context of my “compounding after the art of the apothecary,” both in terms of my bi-vocational endeavors.  The phrase, of course, is also the title of a villanelle composed for the collection Stone upon Stone: Psalms of Remembrance.”

The poetic entry for today is “A New Anointing” with a reference to the anointing oil that I mention in the journal excerpt.

This verse provides the introduction to “A New Anointing.”

A New Anointing

But my horn you have exalted

like a wild ox; I have been

anointed with fresh oil.

Psalm 92:10

                                               

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,

to give unto them beauty for ashes,

the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise

for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called

trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord,

that he might be glorified.

 

Isaiah 61:3

 

I am still overwhelmed, utterly astounded

When I recall all that the Lord has done and stand

In this place of grace where sin had once abounded.

Yielded and still, I submit to all that He has planned.

Here I receive a new anointing compounded

Still after the art of the apothecary.

Fragrant  blessings caress all that  I do and say,

As I touch the realm of the extraordinary.

I must walk in wisdom and not be confounded

By devilish devices that distract and dismay.

I look to God who shall bless and refresh my soul,

As He pours this precious ointment upon my head

That I might be sanctified, preserved and made whole

And trade sorrow for the oil of gladness instead.

Trusting in God’s will is never disappointing,

As I receive from on high this new anointing.

 

David Baroni gives us a spirited rendition of “A New Anointing,” a perfect musical selection for today’s blog entry, more “Good Medicine” placed on the shelves of Dr. J’s Apothecary Shoppe.

 

Tags: a new anointing, apothecary, Exodus 25, holy anointing oil, Isaiah 61:3, Psalm 92:10, words of wisdom series