Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Cross (as in the Cross of Christ) (08/17/06)
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TITLE: Hussopos' Mission | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jan Ross
08/22/06 -
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Springing forth with life, he was fashioned to touch man’s needs in a most unique way. From his first appearance in the garden of earth’s origin, Hussopos’ task was to grow strong for a purpose none other could fulfill.
Seasons of life faded like flowers of the field which flourished and were soon gone. However, Hussopos’ seed never failed, as if carefully guarded by cherubim reminiscent of those with flaming swords flashing back and forth guarding the gates of Eden.
Hussopos grew strong; his beauty surpassed that which the natural eyes could behold, standing out against the background of common. Nothing ordinary could fulfill his purpose. With handsome strength and fragrant splendor he was set apart, appointed and anointed to fulfill a purpose divine.
Arising from the depth of Egypt’s suffering, a voice reminiscent of the One Who called him forth from dry ground at the beginning of time spoke. “Gather My servant Hussopos. He shall bear My symbol of freedom.”
Hussopos drank deeply of the lamb’s sacrificial blood and brushed across the wooden doorposts led by chosen hands. Mesmerized by the wood wet with blood, whispered promises of deliverance stirred deep within him … merely a shadow of things to come. Humbly giving himself to the task set before him, Hussopos built an altar of remembrance in his heart. Although his mission has been memorialized by divine ordinance to all generations since that day, he knew his work was not yet complete.
Hussopos was not a medical doctor but his healing virtue was instrumental in purifying lepers. He was often associated with ceremonial cleansings. Wise King Solomon hailed Hussopos’ beauty and worth as his fragrance and loveliness stirred the senses.
All of Jerusalem resounded with a perpetual reminder of his work in ages past while offering a glimpse of a task yet undone.
“Crucify Him!”
Out of the midst of the unruly crowd, the echoes of angry men, cursing and demanding blood from the Innocent Lamb, reverberated throughout the City.
Excited with destiny flowing through his veins, Hussopos knew his time had arrived. His entire existence pointed to this day … a day like no other.
Hussopos watched with unbelief as they led His bloody battered form outside the gate.
How could men be so cruel?
Hussopos’ deep contemplation of what he witnessed was quickly interrupted. Powerful hands ripped him away from the security of the walls to which he clung. Angry fists clutched him and carried him off, heading toward Golgotha.
He gasped as he saw the Messiah he heard teach, the Healer who opened blind eyes … He was hanging from a tree against the landscape of time.
The wood wet with blood brought to his memory a time many years before when he applied blood to the doorposts, the Creator’s symbol of freedom. Hussopos remembered the Psalmist’s melodious prayer, “Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean”**.
But now, there was no need for cleansing, no need for purifying! Searching for answers he considered all he had witnessed throughout the years.
What is that? Have I been anointed with vinegar? WATER! Dip me in water and I’ll quench His thirst! Or, dip me in blood and I’ll set Him free!
Hussopos looked deep in the eyes of Love as he was lifted up to the Savior’s mouth. His sweet-smelling fragrance might have offered a moment of refreshing if it hadn’t been for the pungent smell of vinegar.
Ever so gently, Hussopos caressed the lips of the Spotless Lamb whose blood soaked the crude wooden cross. What an honor bestowed on this chosen one!
Drops of precious blood mingled with his moistened blooms as he was lowered away from the Beloved Sacrifice and carelessly discarded.
"It is finished!”
The Lamb’s words became his own as the precious blood continued to flow. There he lay at the foot of the cross … Hussopos knew his mission was complete.
Springing forth with life, he was fashioned to touch man’s needs in a most unique way. From his first appearance in the garden of earth’s origin, Hussopos grew strong for a purpose none other could fulfill.
To the Christian, Hussopos was the last to touch our Living Savior … to the Greeks he was merely hyssop.
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*Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)
**Psalm 51:7 (KJV)
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My favorite lines, (as if I could pick)
Ever so gently, Hussopos caressed the lips of the Spotless Lamb whose blood soaked the crude wooden cross. What an honor bestowed on this chosen one!
Drops of precious blood mingled with his moistened blooms as he was lowered away from the Beloved Sacrifice and carelessly discarded.
Blessings Brenda