The Cedars of Lebanon were famous as a wonder of nature. The kings of drier climates thought of them in awe. John Wesley records their use in frankincense. Their trunks grew up to 40 feet in diameter. The forest covered Lebanon making the ancient area look lush for many, many miles. The bible records the magnificence and blessing of being compared to the Cedars of Lebanon, and then the deforestation.Deforestation occurred when the world wanted the cedars "to make a good showing of the flesh". Kings of neighboring and distant countries asked for this wood to build their religious and civil buildings, the most famous of which are: King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem and the palaces of King David & Solomon. In addition it was used by Romans, Greeks, Persians, Assyrians and Babylonians. The Egyptians used its resin for mummification, and sawdust in the pharaoh's tombs. Jewish priests were ordered by Moses to use the bark of the Lebanon Cedar in circumcision and treatment of leprosy.
Many things in life do not last, but the peace of knowing the Lord is above all things.
Hosea 14: 5 I will be like the dew to Israel;
he will blossom like a lily.
Like a cedar of Lebanon
he will send down his roots;
6 his young shoots will grow.
His splendor will be like an olive tree,
his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.
Gal 6:11-18
11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.
12 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.
14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
16 And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
The purpose of the daily liturgy is to read the bible in two years. The links provided are to read the other passages. <><
http://www.crivoice.org/epiphany1.html
http://www.biblegateway.com/
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