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Day 12: John 12/Psalm 25
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Sunday March 7, 2004
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Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume;
she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And
the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray
him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given
to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." He did not say this
because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper
of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "[It was intended]
that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will
always have the poor among you, but you will not always have
me."
John 12:2-9 (New International Version)
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Generosity…a
symbol of our Love
Mary’s generosity was an act of sacrifice and wiping his feet with her
hair was a symbol of utmost devotion and reverence. Jesus recognized
Mary’s act of devotion and sacrifice and affirmed her. In fact, in the
book of Mark, Jesus said that this woman’s act of generosity and
devotion would be told throughout the ages. His appreciation was in
sharp contrast to Judas' attitude of belittlement. Judas didn’t “get
it.”
When I think about
Mary and about her heart, I am touched. Women in that day had no power
and were basically invisible. She was not invisible to Jesus. She was
so overwhelmed by love for Jesus she wanted to show him in her most
generous way. As I serve in MercyWorks, I see many acts of generosity
from people who can least afford it-- people whom others may regard as
“invisible”.
I am reminded of
Stephanie who came to MercyWorks over a year ago. She came broken and
in need of help and healing to restore her relationship with God. As
the Lord ministered to her she began to minister to others by starting
an outreach program to inner-city children in the Cincinnati Public
Schools. She spent time with neglected children and gave them stuffed
animals as a tangible symbol of God’s love for them. This extravagant
gift of her heart, time and energy humbles me. Stephanie is pouring oil
on Jesus’ feet.
Can you remember a
significant act of generosity or kindness that was done for you? Can
you recall a time when you were generous to the point of sacrifice?
What motivated you to do this?
Today’s
Prayer:
Lord,
give me the opportunity to day to reach out with your extravagant love
to someone who is in need, someone who feels “invisible”.
God please show
me how I can honor and worship you with my resources. Let me know how I
can pour perfume on the very feet of Jesus this week and please help me
learn to love others with an extravagantly generous heart.
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Memory Verse of the Week:
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6 (New International Version)
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For a complete
listing of all the previous devotionals in this "50 Day
Experience," click here.
To read the chapter or psalm of the day online, click on one of the following
links:
o
John
12
o
Psalm
25
Sandi Horine, horine@cincyvineyard.com,
Social Services Coordinator with MercyWorks at VCC
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