Extravagant
I do not consider myself extravagant at all. I’m a simple man who loves God, family, and friends. I am not complex. I do consider myself to be a thinker or a bit introspective. I can sometimes be impulsive and quick, but I’m mostly methodical and measured in my responses.
I came across an event that happened near the end Jesus’ ministry and it struck me because of how outlandish, but probably not impulsive, this action was. Check this out…
3 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.
4 Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. 5 “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.
6 But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? 7 You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” (Mark 14:3-10 NLT)
I think the people at the table were shocked by her extravagant act of respect and love. It took great courage for her to do that in front of all the extra people there. I’m sure that she heard the criticism loud and clear, but she proceeded to be extravagant and generous toward Jesus.
Jesus’ response was likely unexpected by His disciples. They were critical, but Jesus was affirming her deep love and devotion. He used the incident to discuss His upcoming death as well as extravagant expression of love. I also love how He said that this “woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed” and her act of love from Peter’s perspective spoke into my heart this morning.
I want to love the Lord extravagantly. I want to love Him consistently. I want to express my love for Him in my regular daily life. I want to also be extravagant in my love for others. I want the Lord to lead me where I can express love on His behalf. I need His wisdom and discernment in determining who and where to help.
The cool part about walking with the Lord is how extravagantly He loves me. As I continue to grasp the height, width, and depth of His love for me, I am blown away. He extravagantly loved me first.
Pressing On!
Dwayne