Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Break the Bank

...as he was reclining at table a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.

Mark 14:3b

My husband and I celebrated twenty-five years of marriage by living on opposite coasts. It wasn’t by choice! And a year later, when twenty-six rolled around, Bill moved to my coast. Arriving at the restaurant the hostess walked us to an empty table, “Oh no, this isn’t your table,” she said, “your table is over there.” And “there” was a table, set for two, colorfully stacked with twenty-six gifts hand picked by my husband as he drove across the country to join me. I was blown away!

The Bethany woman who anoints Jesus blew the roof off with her gift! Whether the ointment was specifically purchased or was in her closet her gift probably stressed her bank account. She believed that Jesus deserved the very best, even if the cost was future stability.

I have a fairly lengthy list of what I consider "valuable." They don’t all possess a monetary value but it’s certain that losing or giving them away would be painful. I like my things!

Jesus didn’t ask for her gift. It is given unexpectedly, willingly and generously. Her generosity convicts me and I ask, “How generous am I in showing my love for Jesus?”

From jobs, to homes, to stuff, to children, to spouses, to retirement accounts--whatever it may be that I hold valuable, am I willing to pour it generously over the head of Jesus?

Jesus, I love you with all my heart, soul and mind.
And while I want to give generously to You, I struggle.
Help me to remember the woman from Bethany
each time my fingers tighten around all that I consider valuable.
Amen.

No comments: