Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 20-21; John 12
Devotional Thought:
In John 12, we have our first glimpse into the very heart of Judas. Jesus said of Judas, “… he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.” (vs. 6) Judas reacted negatively to the generous and loving act of Mary and criticized her for her use of the expensive perfume. Jesus confronts Judas’ selfishness by stating, “Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.” (vs. 7-8) It is unfortunate that so many people today live for the temporary rather than the eternal. Mary was demonstrating her faith in what Jesus had taught her as she sat at his feet and listened. There was a bigger picture than the friendship Jesus shared with this family. Mary sacrificed what was valuable in this life to demonstrate love to the One who was providing eternal life. She saw the value in Jesus giving His life, but wanted to show her love, gratitude, and honor while Jesus was still alive. There are two main lessons we learn from Mary’s sacrifice in this story. The first is in relation to the human, temporary relationship of friendship in this life. We have the responsibility in our relationships here on earth to show love, appreciation, and respect while they are still alive. How sad it is that so many wait until someone dies or are on their deathbed to really communicate how much they appreciate or love a person. We have the responsibility to be communicating that while the people are alive and can really appreciate and be encouraged by the relationship. When is the last time you told your spouse all that you appreciate about them? How about your friend, parent, sibling, or pastor? I just sent “my pastor” an email this week that explained how much I appreciate the investment he has made in my life. I told him how much I appreciate his friendship, love, and example. I believe that pastors need a pastor as much as their people. I am so thankful for the mentors God has given to me as He helps me to grow in grace and in the knowledge of my Savior. The second lesson is in relationship to the eternal. We are so earthly minded sometimes that we are of no eternal good. We are often guilty of investing in things that make our life more comfortable, convenient, or commercial; rather than investing in things that will bring eternal reward after we are dead and gone. Mary realized that the death of Christ meant way more than the value of the perfume. She had been saving this perfume to show Jesus how much she appreciated and valued His death on the cross. Judas had no relationship to the eternal; therefore, he saw the anointing of the head and feet of Jesus as a mere waste. The carnal Christian or unsaved person will never understand the investment of the eternal by a committed Christian. May God help us to be more like Mary as we demonstrate love, appreciation, and commitment to that which is eternal.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to see things in light of their true value, rather than what our culture and world deems valuable.
• Lord, please help me to invest in that which is eternal rather than striving to make this life more comfortable.
• Lord, thank you for giving your all so that I could have eternal life. Please help me to give you my all.