Word@Work 164 - Mark 14:3-5
Published: Fri, 07/11/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 14:3-5 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly. (NIV)
In 24 hours Jesus would be having His Last Supper; but this night was spent relaxing with friends in the home of a healed leper. What composure, in the face of agony to come! It was not unusual at a special dinner for honoured guests to be anointed with fragrant spices by the host: but at some point, it was Mary (sister of Martha and Lazarus) who came in and spilled out all her precious ointment in an act of extravagant devotion.
Showing devotion to Jesus is unlikely to win any prizes with those who do not. Today, more Christians are suffering because they love Jesus than at any time in history. Derision, harsh words, arrest, torture and execution are all on the same spectrum of abuse against Jesus. And He has personally experienced them all. That is why Hebrews 12:3 says, "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (NIV) Mary experienced just a little sample of opposition from those at the dinner party. They were more interested in the buying power of the ointment (dressed up in terms of welfare for the poor): but don't forget that Judas was the treasurer!
Ridiculing genuine devotion to Jesus, is a Judas-like jealousy. It still causes pain in families, the workplace, schools and colleges. When the sacrifice of time, energy or money is more than the cynical consider as 'reasonable' - the knives are out. And in some countries and cultures, even today, the knives are made of sharp steel. But if you love Jesus, as Mary did, it is not everybody else's response that matters - only Jesus'!
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus. Thank you so much for what you have done for me, because You love me. Help me to grow in my devotion to you, despite whatever derision may come my way. Where I have experienced that opposition, just because I love You, help me to be strong like You and not to lose heart. For your Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
In 24 hours Jesus would be having His Last Supper; but this night was spent relaxing with friends in the home of a healed leper. What composure, in the face of agony to come! It was not unusual at a special dinner for honoured guests to be anointed with fragrant spices by the host: but at some point, it was Mary (sister of Martha and Lazarus) who came in and spilled out all her precious ointment in an act of extravagant devotion.
Showing devotion to Jesus is unlikely to win any prizes with those who do not. Today, more Christians are suffering because they love Jesus than at any time in history. Derision, harsh words, arrest, torture and execution are all on the same spectrum of abuse against Jesus. And He has personally experienced them all. That is why Hebrews 12:3 says, "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (NIV) Mary experienced just a little sample of opposition from those at the dinner party. They were more interested in the buying power of the ointment (dressed up in terms of welfare for the poor): but don't forget that Judas was the treasurer!
Ridiculing genuine devotion to Jesus, is a Judas-like jealousy. It still causes pain in families, the workplace, schools and colleges. When the sacrifice of time, energy or money is more than the cynical consider as 'reasonable' - the knives are out. And in some countries and cultures, even today, the knives are made of sharp steel. But if you love Jesus, as Mary did, it is not everybody else's response that matters - only Jesus'!
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus. Thank you so much for what you have done for me, because You love me. Help me to grow in my devotion to you, despite whatever derision may come my way. Where I have experienced that opposition, just because I love You, help me to be strong like You and not to lose heart. For your Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@W164 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on