“Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor. And they rebuked her harshly.” (Mark 14:4 NIV)
The woman poured out her perfume – and her life – on her Savior. Onlookers (including the corrupt and embezzling Judas) objected loudly, making statements about what could have been accomplished with such an extravagant contribution. They failed to realize what was obvious to Jesus and the woman ministering to His need.
We can spend ourselves on anything.
But spending ourselves on Christ is our best investment.
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought the field.” (Matthew 13:44 NIV)
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45-46 NIV)
The woman with the nard, the man with the field and the merchant with the pearl all understood what they were investing in. They knew that honoring God was worth every penny they could put into it.
What about us as we scratch out our tithe check this Sunday morning? Are we investing with joy, certain that this is our most solid bet? Are we all in? Or are we checking off our ten percent; duty met. What about our lives? Have we fully offered ourselves to the Kingdom’s purpose or are we seeking what else we might spend ourselves on first?
Jesus recognized the rarity and beauty of being totally invested in the Kingdom. He celebrated the woman’s gift and commits to remember her always.
I’ve heard it said all my life; “You can’t outgive God.” The pocket-sized truth is the summary of several scriptures: Deuteronomy 10:21, Malachi 3:10, and 2 Corinthians 9:6-11. If this principle is true of our finances, how much more does it apply to our very lives?
Lord, please help us as we strive to give our all to You. We are selfish sinners by nature; wanting to store, hoard and stockpile – but we recognize the heartbeat of God is give. Shock us into right rhythm, Lord. Align our pulse with Yours. We realize there is no sounder investment for our time, resources and talents. Help us break the jar of our story for Your glory. Amen.