Daily Reading: Matthew 26
Scripture Focus: She has done a beautiful thing to me. (Matthew 26.10)
Devotional Thought: It is the nature of love to give, and sometimes love just needs to be extravagant. That is what happened to the woman in Matthew 26 - the woman who anointed Jesus with "very expensive ointment" (v. 7). Some scholars believe the alabaster flask of oil cost a year's wages. It quite possibly could have represented her life's savings.
When we are in love with Christ, there are times when our 'reason' is thrown out the window. It was not reasonable for this woman to make such a statement of love. Why, if nothing else, the ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor! Your love for Christ - including sacrificial giving and service, including passionate worship and prayer - will be misunderstood and denigrated by those who know nothing of what Christ's sacrifice has done for you. The life he has bought you... The peace he has given you... The joy he pours out on you... The love that fills your heart...
Another thing this story teaches me is that there are certain things that must be done when the opportunity avails itself. As in Robert Frost's 'The Road Not Taken', we come to diverging paths in the woods. What we choose will determine our course of life. The woman who anointed Jesus "took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." What choices are you pondering?
One more thing. A beautiful deed leaves a lasting fragrance. Not only was the house filled with the fragrance of her deed, but history itself has preserved the pleasing scent of love. Love has a ripple effect that expands and expands.
Do beautiful things for Jesus' sake today!
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your extravagant love for me. I want to be extravagant in my response. I give you my heart and life today. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 19 Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: "I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people. 20 I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him, 21 so that my hand shall be established with him; my arm also shall strengthen him. 22 The enemy shall not outwit him; the wicked shall not humble him. 23 I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him. 24 My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted. 25 I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers. 26 He shall cry to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.' (Psalms 89:19-26)
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