Today's Passage: Mark 14
While this passage has more importance and theology than could possibly be covered in a single blog post, I want to focus today on two stories that seem unrelated. I think that examining our hearts in light of these will help us understand where our walk with Christ is today.
The first is found in verses 1-11. Jesus is about to embark on the most difficult few days in history, but before these things can happen this woman (who the gospel of John recognizes as Mary, sister of Martha) anoints His head with oil by breaking an alabaster jar. This practice was very common, especially for a special guest such as Jesus, but scripture goes to great lengths to show us this was special. This jar was made of alabaster, which was extremely valuable...this jar was most likely the most expensive thing Mary owned. The oil inside the jar was worth about a year's wages, and she poured out all of it on Jesus even though just a little would have been very special. She gave everything...the things that were costly, special, and dear to her...to honor Jesus.
Contrast that with the story of Peter's denial. Here is Peter, leader of the disciples, "rock" of the church, boasting that he would follow Jesus until death. He makes the claim that nothing, not even his life, is too costly for Jesus. But when the time comes to stand for Him, Peter denies Jesus three times. He has three chances and fails every time.
It's one thing to talk a good game, but it's another to back it up with actions. As we look at our own lives today, which story better fits where we are with Jesus? Are we talking a good game...pretending on the outside to be devoted followers of Christ...but when the going gets tough we deny Him? When the decision is difficult...when it is costly to ourselves or to our family, to our image, to our worldly success...do we also deny Him? Or do our actions speak much louder than words...are we giving all we have for the One who gave His all for us? Are we demonstrating such a great love that we are willing to give whatever we have regardless of the cost for the sake of Christ?
Which story reflects your heart today?
No comments:
Post a Comment
To help us in moderating our comments, we are asking all blog followers to e-mail michael@bearcreek.cc before their first comment. Please include in your e-mail your Blog user name. We are sorry for any inconvenience.