An Extravagant Gift

John 12:3 ~ "Then Mary took a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume, she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped the feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume."

When they pass the offering plates at church, how do you feel in that moment? Is giving a source of satisfaction? Do you give with joy and gratitude? Or are you giving out of a sense of guilt or coercion?

Imagine how this story would read if Mary had given her gift gudgingly, as we sometime do. Listen to this: "Mary took a pound of costly perfume and said to Jesus, ' What is everybody else giving?'"

Or how about this: "Mary took a pound of costly perfume and said to Jesus, 'How much do you really need?'"

Or this: "Mary took a pound of costly perfume and said, 'That's all you ever do is ask for money.'"

Those things sound ridiculous. Mary doesn't give grudgingly or sparingly. She doesn't count the cost. She gives extravagantly and joyfully. The disciples think it is a waste. But it's not a waste; it is a gift of love.

In this season of Lent we are mindful of the cruicifixion. I imagine some onlooker shaking his head at the sight of this young man dying on the cross, and thinking: "What a waste." But it wasn't a waste. It was an extravagant gift, a pouring out, given willingly --- for you.

--- Lou Lotz (from Words of Hope for March 20, 2009)

This really struck me today when I read it... did Mary even think twice about using the expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus? NO, of course not! Why do we think twice about how much we give to church... the body of Christ? In a sense, we are hoarding what God intends to use to further His Kingdom! Mary wasn't comparing her giving to anyone else but gave what was on her heart to give. She gave joyfully and willingly. When this devotional put those quotes in about what Mary could have said... things that members of the church say so often... it really does sound ridiculous!

We need to give from our hearts extravagantly and joyfully! After all, where does any money we've ever held actually come from in the first place? Make God's House fill with the odor of the sweet perfume... give back to Him joyfully and willingly.

I know times are hard right now for so many people but this does not stop the Kingdom of God from growing! God works through those who love Him and put their trust in Him! :)

Be blessed today and remember God is beside you always!
Diane