It’s Friday…But Motivation Is The Key

It is Memorial Day weekend in America. As Americans, we are reminded of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our liberty and freedom. True sacrifice doesn’t happen without significant cost. I am truly grateful to those who gave their all so that we may live in peace.

This weekend also reminds me of a story familiar to many; In the days preceding Jesus’ crucifixion, a woman breaks open a clay jar of expensive perfume and anoints Him with it. It is an appropriate preparation for His burial, Jesus says, despite the protests of some at this dinner party He’s at. The formality of the dinner is not relevant, and neither is the “waste” of the precious perfume, He says:

“She has done a beautiful thing to Me.” (Mark 14:6)

Not only has this woman (Mary of Bethany, according to John 12:3) done a beautiful thing in anointing Jesus for burial with a precious fragrance, she has done a beautiful thing by giving us an accurate illustration of the life of sacrifice. Like a vessel of nard, we are also to be broken and poured out at the feet of Our Savior, as He was broken and emptied for us.

The illustration is a running theme in the New Testament. “We have this treasure in jars of clay,” Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 4:7, emphasizing later that he is being poured out for the sake of the gospel (Philippians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:6). If we are followers of Jesus, our life is to be a life of our most valuable treasures being emptied at the feet of the Lord. It is not a waste. It is a fragrant offering.

We may be tempted at times to feel as if our service for the Lord is a waste of time and resources. Like Mary’s act of service and sacrifice, ours may bear no visible fruit, and it may impress no one else at the party. But Motivation Is The Key. Is it done in pure devotion? Is it an offering of the best we have for The One we treasure most? Is it prompted by a passion for the character and work of our Savior? Then it is not a waste.

A vessel broken so that its treasure might be devoted to Jesus is the kind of sacrifice that pleases Him most. It is what He asks of us, and it is a fragrant aroma to Him. It is a beautiful thing.

Have a memorable weekend. Make it better by worshiping The LORD with those who live in sacrifice for His pleasure because they know it’s worth it now and will honor Him for all eternity.

All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.

“He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, The King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see, to Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:15b-16)