She Did What She Could

I love the fact that the Word of God is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Based on the advice of Bible teacher, Wendy Pope, each time I read God's Word, I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His “nugget of truth” that God wishes to teach or show me for that day.

I want to share with you the “nugget” that spoke volumes to me last week.

On Friday, my chronological reading included the accounts in the books of Mark, Matthew, and John of a woman anointing the feet of Jesus. (John 12 says it was Mary of Bethany, Martha and Lazarus’ sister.) 

Mark 14:3-9 (NLT) reads

 3 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.

 4 Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. 5 “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.

 6 But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? 7 You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

As I read this familiar story, the first part of verse eight jumped out and touched me like a warm, soothing blanket handed to a shivering child.

Read it again with me.

“She did what she could...”

Sweet friends, this verse brings such healing to my weary soul. The fact that Jesus realized that Mary simply did what she could. No more. No less. She gave her all in the place and time that God made her. Not only was Jesus touched and satisfied. He promised others throughout the world would remember and discuss her act of devotion.

So often, I think that I have to do more, be more, give more in order to be remembered. If I was this woman, I probably would have been trying to sell that alabaster jar on ebay just so that I could have more to give. :-)

But Jesus says "No. Give me what you can. I know where you are in life. I know your heart. And all I ask is for you to give me what you can. You!"

Oh sweet friends, may we all kneel in humble devotion today, giving Jesus what is priceless in His eyes - ourselves!

Comments

[Mar]

Thank you!!!! So perfect!!!!