I heard CJ Mahaney speak on this passage once. I forget the exact words he used, but he talked about this part of the gospels and how time slowed down. The first couple of chapters talk about his life and child hood. Then the next ten or so chapters talk about his ministry - three years. Then the last several chapters slow down and talk about the last several days and then hours of his life.
I don't want to miss this part - so I will slow down. I will only read enough for God to get ahold of my heart. It took nine verses.
The story is where Jesus is anointed at Bethany. The woman of questionable character anoints Jesus with a nard that would be worth about $25-30,000 in today's dollars. The un-enlightened scold her, and even Jesus for letting this happen. In practical terms, this was a foolish act.
But Jesus commends her. Then he says something at froze me in my reading, "She has done what she could". What a commendation! Would Jesus say that about my ministry? Would he say that about my service, my life? Have I done what I could.
I was reminded of the widow's offering in Mark 12:41, where she tossed in two copper coins and she was commended by Jesus because, "but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had." Way too impractical! She even had TWO copper coins. It would have been wise to put one in and hold the rest for her family's needs.
I haven't done what I could... I have hoarded my time, resources, my gifts. I have been selfish with what I have been given and have stolen it from the glory of God. Lord, open my eyes to where I have not done what I could, and give me grace to put-off selfishness, self-protection and pride. Let me embrace the cross, sacrifice and bringing you glory by holding nothing back.
I don't want to miss this part - so I will slow down. I will only read enough for God to get ahold of my heart. It took nine verses.
The story is where Jesus is anointed at Bethany. The woman of questionable character anoints Jesus with a nard that would be worth about $25-30,000 in today's dollars. The un-enlightened scold her, and even Jesus for letting this happen. In practical terms, this was a foolish act.
But Jesus commends her. Then he says something at froze me in my reading, "She has done what she could". What a commendation! Would Jesus say that about my ministry? Would he say that about my service, my life? Have I done what I could.
I was reminded of the widow's offering in Mark 12:41, where she tossed in two copper coins and she was commended by Jesus because, "but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had." Way too impractical! She even had TWO copper coins. It would have been wise to put one in and hold the rest for her family's needs.
I haven't done what I could... I have hoarded my time, resources, my gifts. I have been selfish with what I have been given and have stolen it from the glory of God. Lord, open my eyes to where I have not done what I could, and give me grace to put-off selfishness, self-protection and pride. Let me embrace the cross, sacrifice and bringing you glory by holding nothing back.
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