ETERNITY

[Ranb2khz]

Total Sacrifice

It was nearly Passover, the annual celebration when all Israel focused on God's deliverance from death through an innocent's sacrifice. On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus arrived in Bethany, where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus hosted a dinner in His honor. While guests reclined around the table, Mary sacrificially lavished her unique gifts upon Jesus.

Let’s look closely at Mary's two gifts. First, was the nard itself. Nard was expensive. This wasn’t like buying cheap cola at Wal-Mart. Nard was a Neiman Marcus kind of gift. And Mary didn't have just a small ribbon-wrapped vial of the stuff; she had about a pint. It could well have represented her life savings, yet she lavished it all on Him.

As astonishing as that was, nard wasn't Mary's only gift. She then lowered herself to wipe His feet with her hair. Kneeling low, head nearly to the floor, she gave herself in utter commitment to serving the one she loved and adored. In this act of profound humility, Mary set the example for sacrifice.

When was the last time I gave sacrificially without calculation? When did I last write a check with no thought of the tax implications? Mary answered the question "How much is enough?" by sacrificially turning it on its head. In withholding nothing, she gained everything.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Mary's humble example of sacrifice is deeply moving and deeply convicting. Interrupt and disrupt me, Lord, in my lifestyle and my efforts to accumulate. Give me the heart of Mary of Bethany that the world would be filled with the fragrance of my sacrificial love for you and for others.


~ Jim Baker, from the "All-In Devotionals"
(Note: You can read and/or download all 30 "All-In" Devotionals at http://www.harrisburgonline.org)

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