Thursday, August 25, 2011

She Did All That She Could

"Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While He was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over His head.

"Some of those at the table were indignant. 'Why waste such expensive perfume?' they asked. 'It could have been sold for a year's wages and the money given to the poor!' So they scolded her harshly.

"But Jesus replied, 'Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to Me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have Me. She has done what she could and has anointed My body for burial ahead of time.'" ~ Mark 14:3-8, NLT

The woman hastened down the narrow alley. Her gold and turquoise jewelry flashed in the sunlight, crying out its condemnation to the observers who glanced her way with furrowed brow. Her veil's ornate red beading framed her face and cast hues of crimson onto the alabaster jar she held close to her breast.

Looking over her shoulder, the outcast rapped on Simon's door. "I want to see the Rabbi," she said. Before Simon could respond she slipped past him, clutching the precious perfume, her gift for her Redeemer. Her eyes met the stunningly dark eyes of the Rabbi. She held her gaze intently, knowing that she beheld the face of God.

Without a word, the woman broke open her alabaster jar. Trembling, she tenderly poured out its contents upon the head of her Lord. Sweet aroma filled the room, wafting up towards heaven as tears escaped her mahogany eyes. The woman, once broken herself, gave all that she could. She poured out her pain, her shame, her years of separation from Elohim. Her tears mixed with the perfume, anointing her Redeemer with adoration, with honor - immersing Him in glory. Scowls covered the faces of the religious leaders, but love cast its reward from her Savior's eyes.

In sweet abandon, the scorned woman poured out her heart of gratitude. She did all that she could. She gave her best because she loved Jesus.



Father, I feel so emotional at the moment. I sense Your Presence, I feel your enormous pain. May I never take You for granted. May I always be willing to do all that is within my power to do for You, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude. Thank You Lord. Thank You for setting me free, for taking my brokenness and using it for Your glory. I love You, Lord.
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2 comments :

  1. Beautiful. This one made me cry. I'd just read a poem and the two touch my heart. Blessings, BJ

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  2. Thanks Barb. This one was special to me too. Love you!

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