The Alabaster Jar

The Alabaster Jar.

While Jesus was in Bethany, a woman came to Him  with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as He was reclining at the table. The disciples were angry. “Why did you waste this perfume on his head?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold for a very high price and the money given to the poor.” (Matthew 26:6-9) Jesus knew their thoughts and where their thoughts came from. He asked them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a  beautiful thing to me.” This woman did not hold back what was hers to give away and neither does Jesus to us. What is your Alabaster jar of costly perfume? What do you love and what is more precious to you possibly even more than Christ Himself? Is it your husband, your children, your career, your education, your status, your pets, your hobbies or worldly possessions? Nothing compares to the great love of Jesus! He is the Lover of your soul and the lifter of your head. He is your Redeemer, your Deliver and Healer.  He is your Shield, your Strength and your Rock. He is your EVERYTHING! The woman in this passage showed an extravagant love to her Lord. In Jesus’ day, this perfume or nard was most likely a costly heirloom, passed from generation to generation. It was a precious commodity to this woman. Nard was sealed in a  one time use, marble like container.  The vessel had to be sealed well, so the perfume would not evaporate. You had to break the neck of the container to pour out the contents. Once the vessel was opened, there was no turning back. It had to be used up all at once or be wasted. We are so blessed that Jesus’ love does not evaporate when we mess up our lives! Quite the contrary, really. He is just waiting to flood us with His loving presence and forgiveness. He woos us back to Him with an everlasting love. We just simply have to ask His forgiveness and turn away from our sins. This woman gave all she had to Jesus. She knew once she opened up the perfume, it would all be gone. None of that mattered to her. What mattered to the woman, was anointing Jesus and being obedient to what she was called to do. She was not seeking to take from Him as many believers do today. Am I giving all that I am to the One that is All?  Am I serving others or or just seeking to be served?  Am I giving out of a heart filled with love or a heart desiring to receive all that I can get? Am I surrendering, submitting and giving my ALL to the One who gave His ALL? As a result of this woman’s faithfulness, love and kindness, Jesus states: “I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Matthew 26:13)  We’d all agree, “Well done my faithful servant!” is the blessing she would receive. Lord, help me to give of myself to those around me. Help me love others deeply and use the gifts you have blessed me with,  faithfully administering God’s grace and love.  (1 Peter 4:8) (excerpt from Holly’s book, “Flowers of Grace: Discovering God’s Lavish Love and Extravagant Promises”) http://www.Amazon.com www.Christianbooks.com