2 minute read.
Daily Reading: 2 Kings 16 GW; Mark 14 GW; Psalms 88 GW
God wastes nothing.
Our heroine today is Mary, sister of Lazarus (John 12:3 NIV). The perfume she pours on Jesus’ feet is Nard, made from a plant in the Himalayas. Expensive, the costly liquid was equivalent to a year’s wages. Jesus was visiting Simon in his home with several others when Mary found him. Watching, the witnesses think Mary’s act is wasteful. What the onlookers didn’t realize, Mary’s actions prepared Jesus for His burial.
Days before Passover, Simon and his friends didn’t know what was coming. None of them could understand Jesus’s death and resurrection yet. From their earthly position, what Mary did was wasteful. But in reality, God was powerfully using Mary. Simon and the boys didn’t have the capability of understanding this fact. Mary’s act prepared Jesus for burial.
Only God knows.
Just like the men didn’t understand Mary’s act, we do the same. Someone does something for Jesus in a way that doesn’t make sense to us, and we question the action. But God understands and uses it for His good.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)
No matter what the situation, God doesn’t waste it. When we’re actively serving the Lord, fulfilling our mission to the best of our ability, God will work things out for good. Perfection isn’t required to serve God, just willingness.
Mary’s willingness to give up a year’s wages to anoint Jesus’s feet shows her heart. Maybe she could have done things differently, but she did them her way. God knew her actions were pure. Human understanding isn’t necessary for divine tasks. More times than not, people won’t get why you do the things you do for Jesus. But in time, the truth comes out. After Jesus’s death and resurrection, Simon understood Mary’s actions, but only in time.
People serve God in different ways. If someone’s actions baffle you, give it time. God reveals all things at the right moment.
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Lord, thank You for Mary’s example. Forgive us when we’re unwilling to serve you completely. As we move through our day, give us opportunities to honor You. Let us submit to You fully today, seeking Your will, not ours. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
When have someone’s actions baffled you?
