5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Have you read Mark 14 verses 1-9? If you haven’t yet, take a moment and read it to grasp the whole picture of what is going on.
With that said, read the following:
6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.
Extra credit: Read John 12:1-8 for another perspective also😎
With pure nard, Jesus was anointed for burial. What interest me is, did she know what she was doing? How long did she have this alabaster flask of pure nard ointment? How precious still. Our Savior was prepared beforehand for what came afterward.
This was a big deal. You saw the commotion that was stirred within some disciples. There may be times when we think we are doing justly but aren’t.
Have you ever seen the acronym WWJD bracelets?
What would Jesus do? A good thing to say to ourselves, am I right?
What a rush to stop, think, pray, and evaluate whatever might be going on.
All for love. Jesus laid down His life. So we can believe and receive eternal life. John 3:16 ESV.
Have you ever owned something that expensive? Especially perfume?
Look, I used to wear this body mist that smelled like artificial vanilla back from Walmart in junior high. I thought it smelled so good! It only lasted for an hour. That is how long the bus ride was to get to school. Maybe shorter though I wouldn’t keep track.
Just imagine a flask of pure nard. Have you smelt that before? I know I haven’t… yet.
Visualize having something expensive and presenting it before Jesus.
Well, sweetheart, you were bought at a price.
When you present yourself to God… you are a sweet fragrance unto Him. You have that fragrance at all times. It doesn’t last for an hour!
We have been marked and sealed in Christ Jesus, who died for us. Who loved us before we even looked in His direction.
Do you see the connection? Have you uncovered what I have been saying?
Tell me a greater love than that.
Of what Jesus has done, let us be imitators then. Let’s keep walking in love.
In what areas can you be walking in love? How can you pour the love of God unto others? Ask God in what area you’re gifted for this particular area. Are you skilled in writing? Write someone a letter, note, email, or even an encouragement booklet. Do you like to host? Create a club of a hobby or so. Host it at your home or someplace, and have intentional fellowship. How about cooking or baking? You can cook or bake food and hand it out. Or even help out anyone in your neighborhood. Set up a flyer in your town or even on social media. Crazy idea but how about cleaning? You can help your neighbors clean their homes or apartments. Let’s go above and beyond to walk in the love that has been lavished on us. Let’s go that extra mile, hey?
These are only a couple of ideas. God has a bunch lined up! He’s very creative and He has something particular just for you. Then perhaps, invite people to come alongside you that are willing?
Begin with prayer. Always. You’ll be surprised by all He has planned for us.
If you’re stuck in the mundane? Look up, ask Him for help, and to provide strength to keep going, and don’t forget to praise Him. Maybe just maybe… He’s wanting you to look up so you can take a “break” from all around and be with Him.
He sustains, He provides, and He’s a great listener. Let us not forget to listen to what He has to say too. It’s a two-way communication 😉
Morning by morning he awakens;
he awakens my ear
to hear as those who are taught.
Set time aside first thing in the morning to come before the Lord. He is love.
Your ability to love is limited. My ability to love is limited. When we run out of love: let’s seek God’s love, patience, and forgiveness.
Also, remember to pick up God’s love letter, too 💕
Keep cultivating that relationship! Keep loving with that brotherly/sisterly love to God’s people and beyond.
Check this out too:
Keep walking with Him. Stay on the narrow path.