PREPARATION OF ORDINATION SERVICES.
"ANOINTING OIL AND RAM HORN"
WHAT ARE THE FIVE SPECIES OF PLANT USED FOR THE PREPARATION OF ANOINTING OIL?
The five species of plants used for the preparation of anointing oil, as described in Exodus 30:22-25, are:
(1) Pure myrrh (mar-dərōr): 500 shekels (about 6 kg or 13 lb)
(2) Sweet cinnamon (qīnnəmōn-besem): 250 shekels (about 3 kg or 6.6 lb)
(3) Fragrant cane (qənē-ḇōsem): 250 shekels (about 3 kg or 6.6 lb)
(4) Cassia (qīddā): 500 shekels (about 6 kg or 13 lb)
(5) Olive oil (šemen zayīt): one hin (about 6 L or 1.6 US gal)
▪ WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?
The five species of plants used for the preparation of anointing oil are important for several reasons:
1. Spiritual significance: They were chosen by God Himself for the sacred purpose of anointing and consecrating people, places, and objects (Exodus 30:22-25).
2. Symbolism: Each plant has symbolic meanings:
(a)- Myrrh: suffering, sacrifice, and purification
(b)- Cinnamon: wisdom, discernment, and spiritual growth
(c)- Fragrant cane: righteousness, justice, and moral integrity
(d)- Cassia: humility, submission, and obedience
(e)- Olive oil: divine provision, healing, and illumination
3. Medicinal and therapeutic properties: These plants have natural healing properties, reflecting God's care for human well-being.
4. Representation of Christ: The anointing oil represents Christ's character and ministry, symbolizing His sacrifice, wisdom, righteousness, humility, and healing power.
5. Biblical tradition: The use of these plants connects us to biblical history and tradition, honoring God's instructions and practices.
These plants are essential to the anointing oil, representing spiritual, symbolic, and practical significance in the biblical context.
ARE THESE PLANTS STILL IMPORTANT IN CHRISTIANITY OR IN THE EARLY CHURCH EVEN TILL DATE?
Yes; The specific recipe and usage of the anointing oil described in Exodus 30:22-25 was primarily relevant to the Old Testament's Jewish tradition and the tabernacle/temple rituals even till date. The symbolism and significance of anointing oil have been carried over into Christianity and the New Testament in various ways:
1. Jesus' baptism and anointing: The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove, symbolizing His anointing as the Messiah (Matthew 3:16-17, Luke 4:18).
2. Healing and ministry: Jesus and His disciples used oil for healing and anointing (Mark 6:12-13, James 5:14).
3. Spiritual anointing: The New Testament speaks of believers being anointed by God with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 1 John 2:20-27).
4. Symbolic representation: Oil continues to symbolize God's presence, healing, and spiritual growth in Christian tradition.
5. Liturgical practices: Some Christian denominations still use anointing oil in various rituals, such as baptism, confirmation, and healing services.
While the exact recipe and usage may not be directly applicable in modern Christianity, the underlying significance and symbolism of anointing and oil have been carried forward and adapted in various ways, emphasizing the importance of spiritual anointing, healing, and God's presence in believers' lives.
IS THE RAM HORN STILL IMPORTANT IN CHRISTIANITY OR IN TODAY'S CHURCH?
The ram's horn (shofar) is not a central element in most Christian traditions, but it still holds significance in some Christian contexts:
1. Liturgical churches: Some liturgical churches, like the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Churches, use the shofar in certain ceremonies, such as the liturgy of the word or the announcement of important events.
2. Hebrew Roots movement: This movement, which emphasizes the Jewish roots of Christianity, often incorporates the shofar into worship services and ceremonies.
3. Messianic Judaism: Messianic Jews, who combine Jewish tradition with Christian beliefs, often use the shofar in their worship services.
4. Symbolic usage: Some churches use the shofar as a symbolic element, representing God's kingdom, power, authority, and presence, without necessarily incorporating it into regular worship practices.
5. Special events: The shofar may be used in special events like, ordination weddings, funerals, or dedications, to add a touch of biblical significance and tradition.
While the ram's horn is not a universal element in modern Christianity, but still holds importance in specific contexts, connecting believers to their biblical heritage and symbolizing God's kingdom, power and authority.
HERE ARE SOME BIBLICAL REFERENCES WHERE RAM HORN HAD BEEN USED.
(1) Leviticus 23:24: Commandment to sound the shofar on the seventh month's first day.
(2) Numbers 29:1: The shofar is sounded on the seventh new moon.
(3) Psalm 81:1-6: The ram's horn is blown during festivals, with some interpreting it as a reference to the Feast of Trumpets.
(4) Joshua 6:4: Seven priests carry seven trumpets made of rams' horns during the conquest of Jericho.
(5) Psalm 98:6: A psalm that mentions trumpets and the blast of the horn, symbolizing God's coronation as king on Rosh Hashanah.
YOU, MIGHT ASK; WHAT IS THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE RAM HORN AND AN ANOINTING OIL?
In biblical tradition, the ram's horn (shofar) and anointing oil share a significant connection:
1. Aaron's consecration: Moses anointed Aaron as high priest using oil from the horn of a ram (Leviticus 8:10-11).
2. Ordination: The ram's horn was used to contain the anointing oil used for ordaining priests and kings (Exodus 30:22-25, 1 Samuel 10:1).
3. Symbolism: The ram's horn represents strength, power, and sacrifice (Genesis 22:13), while anointing oil symbolizes divine appointment, consecration, and spiritual empowerment.
4. Hebrew tradition: The shofar is still used today in Jewish ceremonies, including the blowing of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), symbolizing repentance and spiritual renewal.
5. Christian
HERE ARE SOME BIBLICAL REFERENCES TO THE USE OF RAM'S HORN AND ANOINTING OIL IN ORDINATION AND SERVICES
1- 1 Samuel 10:1 - Samuel anoints Saul, the first king of Israel.
2- 1 Samuel 10:13 - Samuel anoints Saul again with the horn of oil in front of the elders of Israel.
3- 1 Samuel 16:13: David was anointed by Samuel with the horn of oil in front of his brothers.
4- 1 Kings 1:39 - Zadok the priest anoints Solomon with the horn of oil from the sacred tent, and then they sounded the ram's horn.
5- Psalm 23:5 - David says, "You anoint my head with oil," a reference to his coronation as King of Israel.
6- Psalm 81:1-3 - A reference to Rosh Hashanah, which celebrates the trumpet of God.
7- Ezekiel 33:1-6 - Ezekiel speaks of a trumpet, which is the shofar, God's voice to His people.
8- Exodus 25:6 - Olive oil was used to anoint furnishings in the Tabernacle.
9- Exodus 19:5-25, 20:18-21 - Moses on Mount Sinai, where the shofar represents God's voice.
10- Hebrews 12:18-29 - Another reference to Moses on Mount Sinai and the sounding of the shofar.
11- Revelation 11:15-19 - The seventh angel sounded the trumpet to gather the people in holy convocation.
RESURRECTED CHRISTIAN CHURCH DOCTRINES.
It is proper for "Resurrected Christian Church" to use the ram's horn and anointing oil for ministers and leadership ordination.
REASONS:
In John 4:23-24, Jesus says, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."
The use of the ram's horn and anointing oil in church service can be seen as a way to worship God in Spirit and truth, as Jesus described:
1- The ram's horn represents the call to true worship, gathering believers to assemble and acknowledge God's presence.
2- The anointing oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, consecrating and empowering us for worship and service.
By incorporating these symbols into our worship, we:
1- Honor God's sovereignty and presence (Spirit)
2- Express our devotion and commitment to Him (truth)
3- Recognize the importance of spiritual empowerment and consecration (anointing oil)
4- Respond to God's call to assemble and worship (ram's horn)
In this way, the use of the ram's horn and anointing oil in church service reflects the essence of John 4:23-24, as we strive to worship God in Spirit and truth.
In addition:
1. Biblical roots: Using the ram's horn and anointing oil connects the church to biblical traditions and symbolism, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership and consecration.
2. Spiritual significance: The ram's horn and anointing oil represent divine appointment, sacrifice, and spiritual empowerment, which align with the values of Christian ministry.
3. Distinctive practice: Incorporating these elements can distinguish the church's ordination ceremony from other Christian denominations, highlighting its unique heritage and beliefs.
4. Cultural sensitivity: Ensure that the use of these symbols is respectful and sensitive to their original cultural and religious context (Jewish tradition).
5. Theological alignment: Confirm that the use of the ram's horn and anointing oil aligns with the church's theological stance and doctrine.
"Resurrected Christian Church" decides to incorporate the ram's horn and anointing oil into our ordination ceremony, it should be done with thoughtful consideration, respect, and a clear understanding of the symbols' significance.
The ram's horn (shofar) also symbolizes kingdom, power, and authority in addition to strength, sacrifice, and divine provision. In biblical times, the shofar was blown to announce the coronation of a new king, to signal the start of a new month or year, and to call people to assembly.
The shofar's association with kingdom, power, and authority is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and is often linked to the sovereignty of God. In Christian context, this symbolism is also seen as reflecting the kingdom of God and the authority of Christ.
By using the ram's horn in the ordination ceremony, we are not only acknowledging the importance of spiritual leadership but also recognizing the authority and power that comes from God to serve and lead His people.
RESURRECTED CHRISTIAN CHURCH SEAL OF APPROVAL OF THE DOCTRINE.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As a church, we consider a meaningful tradition that connects us to our biblical heritage. The use of the ram's horn and anointing oil in our ordination ceremony is a powerful symbol of our commitment to God's work.
The ram's horn represents strength, sacrifice, and divine provision, reminding us of God's faithfulness and guidance. The anointing oil symbolizes spiritual empowerment, consecration, and healing, reflecting our reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance.
In the Old Testament, the ram's horn, or shofar, was used to call God's people to assembly, to announce important events, and to sound the alarm in times of battle. It represents strength, sacrifice, and divine provision, reminding us of God's faithfulness and guidance.
The anointing oil, on the other hand, was used to consecrate and dedicate individuals to God's service. It symbolizes spiritual empowerment, consecration, and healing, reflecting our reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance.
By incorporating these elements into our ordination ceremony, we are not only connecting ourselves to our biblical heritage but also acknowledging the gravity of the call to ministry. We are recognizing that our ministers and leaders are not only called but also empowered by God to serve His people.
The use of the ram's horn and anointing oil also serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual leadership. It represents the heart of our ministry, which is to serve and glorify God, and to shepherd His people with love, care, and wisdom.
As we move forward with this tradition, let us remember that our authority comes not from ourselves but from God's divine appointment. May the ram's horn and anointing oil serve as reminders of our sacred responsibility to serve and glorify Him.
By incorporating these elements, we honor our biblical roots and acknowledge the significance of spiritual leadership. We affirm that our ministers and leaders are not only called but also empowered by God to serve His people.
Let us also remember that this is not just a ceremony but a commitment to a life of service, humility, and sacrifice. May our church be a beacon of hope and spiritual growth, shining God's light in the world.
Let us embrace this tradition with reverence and humility, recognizing that our authority comes not from ourselves but from God's divine appointment. May the ram's horn and anointing oil serve as reminders of our sacred responsibility to serve and glorify Him.
Let us proceed with faith and unity, blessing our ministers and leaders with the symbols of God's presence and power. May our church be a beacon of hope and spiritual growth, shining God's light in the world.
Thank you, and may God bless our church and its leaders.
Amen!
GENERAL OVERSEER SEAL OF APPROVAL OF THE USE OF "THE RAM'S HORN AND ANOINTING OIL" IN ORDINATION CEREMONY AND OTHER SPIRITUAL RITE.
RESURRECTED CHRISTIAN CHURCH:
"Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I JOHN UWADIA OKORO approved to revive a powerful tradition rooted in our biblical heritage. We have introduced the use of the ram's horn and anointing oil in our rituals rite and services.
The ram's horn, or shofar, represents God's voice, kingdom, power, and authority. It symbolizes our call to assembly, our announcement of God's presence, and our declaration of His sovereignty.
The anointing oil represents God's presence, healing, and spiritual empowerment by the Holy Spirit. It symbolizes our consecration, dedication, and surrender to His will.
As we incorporate these symbols into our worship, we connect ourselves to the rich history of God's people. We honor the traditions of our ancestors, from Moses on Mount Sinai to the early Christian church.
We will use the ram's horn and anointing oil in various rituals rite and services, including ordinations, dedications, weddings, and healing services. We will sound the shofar to call us to assembly, to announce God's presence, and to declare His sovereignty. We will anoint with oil to consecrate, heal, and empower.
Let us embrace this tradition with reverence and humility, recognizing that our authority comes from God alone. May the ram's horn and anointing oil serve as reminders of our sacred responsibility to serve and glorify Him.
Let us move forward in faith, unity, and spiritual growth, as we revive this powerful tradition in our church. May God bless us and guide us on this journey.
Amen!"