Expression of Love and Devotion
Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head. Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly. But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” Mark 14:3-9 From our text, Jesus told His disciples that the woman’s expression of devotion to God are not irrelevant for it has full of meaning in the eyes of God. Your love and dedication to Christ can leave a lasting impression and may even be used as memorials to God for future generations. The woman’s act was commended by Jesus because it was an expression of love for Jesus. God saw the sincerity of her heart that she did not do it to impress His disciples or to gain public attention or to gain praise. Her motive was just simply to express her love for Jesus. She did nothing spectacular or performed miracles and not even preached a sermon. Her way of demonstrating her sacrificial love was enough for Jesus to make Him say that her devotion will become a model and a remembrance for years to come. “Wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed” (Mark 14:9). You might not have the slightest idea as to what God will use from your expressions of your love to Him as examples that can impact the future generations, yet His desire is for you to remain faithful. Abraham could not have known that the day he proved his obedience to God in his willingness to offer Isaac would be remembered, would bless, and become an inspiration to those who struggle to follow God’s command. David as well could not have known that his life of obedience to God would please God so much that his examples would bless generations who followed him. God can take your faithfulness and will use your example to make an influence using it to bless others for generations to come. You will never know until eternity all those whom you have blessed and influenced because of your life of obedience to God. This is why it is so important that you be consistent in expressing your love and devotion to Jesus.
Blessings.
