Anointed For Burial

How much is a year's wages for you? Could you imagine giving away that entire amount in one outrageously generous act? That's what Mary does when she pours perfume on Jesus feet and wipes it with her hair. But why on earth would she do this? Well, why might you or I give? I know when I have been blessed in tangible, life-changing ways by something/someone my natural response is to give back as a way to show my gratitude and appreciation. I suspect a large part of Mary's act was due to her deep gratitude to Jesus for the ways he has blessed her, most recently by raising her brother Lazarus from the dead. It is clear Mary loves Jesus, knows him to be the Messiah, come to save her. He is her EVERYTHING, and she doesn't think twice about giving Him EVERYTHING. His amazing grace has triggered in her an amazing response. But not everyone who witnessed it was impressed with her generosity. In fact some were down right ticked off with it. How has Jesus touched your life? Is his amazing grace, unconditional love, and ultimate sacrifice triggering in you a deep, ever-growing response? As you contemplate what Jesus endured for the likes of you and me, do you wonder how you might ever be able to repay him? I do. And then I realize that nothing I have to give could ever equal what he gave. That is, unless I give to him my whole life. Die to myself, and surrender my will to His. Jesus, forgive me for the times my response to your grace and love is far too little in comparison to what you gave me. May my reponse to you be seen by this world as more and more outrageously generous each day. Use my response to cause them to question what is so special about a relationship with you. Teach me to give my life to you, Jesus. It's yours anyway. Amen.