The Cost of Your Oil
In today’s passage, a woman who had an alabaster flask of very costly oil went to Jesus and poured the oil on Him. This was an act of honor and worship. Yet the Bible says when the disciples saw what this woman did they became indignant and immediately voiced their opinion saying, “Why the waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor (vs. 8-9).”
The good thing is, they recognized the value of the oil in her flask. The bad thing is, instead of joining her in honoring and worshiping Jesus, or just offering their support in silence they seemingly criticized her and called what she did a waste.
Could it be they were so familiar with Jesus they themselves didn’t realize His worthiness to receive such worship and honor? We’ll never know. But, all too often in many churches today the disciples (followers) of Jesus still criticize people for they way they choose to honor and worship Him. People are still saying, “That’s too much! It doesn’t take all that! Why are they acting like that?...”
The truth is, it’s never too much when it comes to worshiping and honoring Jesus. And it does take all of that and then some. We will never, in our human form and ability, be able to repay God for all He’s done for us through Jesus Christ. We can, however, spend our entire lives honoring and worshiping Him and giving Him the best of what we have regardless of what people may see, think or feel.
We all have a personal relationship with Jesus in which we choose how we express our love for Him as a result. When you know what He’s done and what He brought you through you want to do whatever it takes to show your appreciation and gratitude. Some do this through shouting, dancing, crying, smiling, giving, loving, sacrificing for others --- there is not a right or wrong way for honoring and worshiping Him. It only needs to flow from the heart, as with the woman in today’s passage who from the heart made a costly sacrifice to show her love and appreciation for Jesus.
In Cee Cee Winans’ song Alabaster Box she sings, “You don’t know the cost of the oil in my alabaster box.” People may judge you, criticize you or have an opinion about your life and the way you express your love for God. But one thing’s for sure, they don’t know the cost of the oil in your alabaster box. They don’t know what you’ve been through… what Jesus brought you through… how He kept you… how He loved you… how He comforted you… etc. They don’t know. And if they don’t know, don’t let them stop you for honoring and worshiping Him with your life.
Journal
- Today’s journal assignment is different from the past days. Click this link and listen to the song Alabaster Box and pour your heart out to Jesus. Express yourself in any way you feel like it, then journal your experience.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. -John 4:24
Comments