February’s theme is “Alabaster Jar” to bring focus on this unidentified woman who approached Jesus with a container of very expensive perfume, which she poured out on his head, without prompting or asking for permission, as Jesus reclined at a dinner table.
Her extravagant act of generosity was based on the magnitude of her heart response, compelled by gratitude for what Jesus had done in her life, by restoring and reimagining her completeness in Christ. I think for many disciples of Jesus (I include myself here), we can become habituated to the goodness of God’s grace and work in us, to the extent it’s taken as almost unremarkable feature in our life. However, as anyone who has tried more than a couple of nights camping under canvas knows all too well, returning home to your bed and experiencing anew the bliss of great sleep, is one of life’s sublime joys. Comparatively it’s so much better than what you’ve just had for the past week! This woman wanted to express her delight by conferring on Jesus the very best of what it was she could offer, to celebrate that life comparison she now knew for herself.
What a challenge in her response, she brought her best and she gave it all. Yet what other heart response could we offer to such a worthy Saviour? I want that again in my life, that same decision to pour out our Alabaster jar ‘for His glory and our good’.
Please lean into this challenge with me over February, to invite new growth into your life, by remembering why you were enchanted by Jesus in the first place. And if you don’t know that experience yet, we would love you to come and meet Jesus. Please ask us.
Finally, my great appreciation to Will Stewart and Pastor Cynthia Taffe for sharing in preaching this month, while I am on leave. Please thank them!
Deep Shalom,
Matt Smith