The Christian Life Compared to Olive Oil Production

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Photo courtesy of Medical News Today

As I was reading my Bible today in the Book of Leviticus - a thought struck into my head as I found in Leviticus 24:2 which was also the same command found in Exodus 27:20. This is the command for the children to bring pure olive oil, which was beaten continually which would cause the lamps to light for eight days straight before replacing them.

I. How olive oil is made

Above is a diagram that would talk about how olives are gathered. You can take a look at how you have the difficult harvesting process. Trimming was done properly for the branches to make sure that there was more room for an abundant harvest. The harvest soon arrives and you have the process of crushing it. 

Since there was no modern equipment yet then one can imagine the use of an ox or some people push the crushing wheel themselves until all the olives become a fine pulp. Then you have the process of pressing the crushed olives (and there are several layers of filter used) in order to extract the oil. But it's not yet pure olive oil. It had to be decanted and the diagram above  shows how the decantation process is necessary to produce extra virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil. 

Then you have the refining process for the lampante virgin oil which is subject to refining. Both the extra virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil are also subject to refining. Then you have the pure olive oil at the end of the diagram.

II. The making of olive oil applied to the Christian life

This is really a picture of the Christian life. I remembered how often it's so easy to complain and grumble about one's problems especially when you rely on the flesh. Why LORD why is the usual response of the flesh. Then you can have a comparison of how the Christian life's trials and tribulations actually purify the Christian. 
1 Peter 1:7
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
James 1:3-4 
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

The whole picture of the Christian life can be portrayed in the process. Here's how I would like to make that comparison:

1.) Taking care of the tree is very important.

John 15:1-8 talks about the relationship about Christ as the vine and the Christians are the branches. While Judas branches are thrown away because they are useless branches - Christians will get trimmed because God knows that they will bear much fruit. If you know these branches aren't parasitic branches yet there's not much fruit then wouldn't the natural reaction be to prune whatever is hindering said process.

2.) Next, you have the crushing process of the olives.

I always thought about the statement that before God can use you that He will break you or crush you. Now, God's crushing is usually associated with those who are not His. But how can God crush Christians? Psalm 51:17 says that the sacrifice fit unto God is a broken and contrite heart. If there's some pride in your life then expect God to pass you through several crushing processes until you repent and be humble!

3.) The crushing isn't over so the pressing process happens.

God wants the best so He not only humbles the believer but He further presses them. I remembered the quote of Charles H. Spurgeon that says that it's easier to be close to God during affliction than relief. Psalm 30:6 has David admitting that he got arrogant in his times of prosperity. If one problem isn't enough to purify the Christian - God will certainly add more because Christians need more humbling before they can shine brighter!

4.) Decantation involves the separation of mixtures.

The olive oil is there but you want pure olive oil. God demands a certain degree of separation. While He commands unity in His body yet He demands separation from the works of darkness. Ephesians 4:11 says that one must have absolutely nothing to do with the workers of darkness but to reprove them! The oil is already there but it's still not pure. That's why the olive oil must be separated from other components to get 100% pure olive oil.

5.) Refining then happens to create 100% oil and to remove whatever impurities there may be.

According to Olive Oil Source - any olive oil with high acidity or organoleptic defects have to be refined so such unpleasant side effects will be removed. A certain degree of heat is used to remove these impurities such as high acidity and organoleptic defects. God will also use the troubles of life to further remove impurities in the Christian life to produce the best kind of oil.

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