Featured writer…
When something really special was done for someone, my father would say they received ‘the royal treatment’. I haven’t heard those words for nearly 25 years, but they still come to mind whenever I see someone honored in a special way. Consider one such occasion recorded in the gospel of John:
“Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John 12:1-3 (NIV)
Think about how Mary honored Jesus. Kneeling before the Creator, she poured perfume worth a year’s wages on the feet of her Lord. Not just a drop or two, but the whole bottle. Think of the love and devotion she expressed as she wiped His feet with her hair. Can you feel the intimacy? Can you see the depth of her relationship with Him? Some saw this gift as over the top; a waste; an overindulgence; but Mary saw it as fitting for the King she served and adored. What an incredible expression. What a kingly gift!
This scene humbles me and calls me to consider my life and devotion to our Lord. How often do I simply long to sit at His feet in adoration and worship? How often do I give gifts to Him that are worthy of His Kingship? When was the last time I pursued real intimacy with Him? When was the last time everyone around me knew how precious Jesus is to me because of the sweet fragrance of my worship?
Sadly, my sinful, ever wandering heart knows the answer. It seems that all too often I am pursuing my own interests and pleasures, or like Martha, I am scurrying around in life’s kitchen consumed by important, but non-Christ-centered activities. Moreover, it seems that the times I do spend at His feet are all too short and lacking the intimacy I see between Mary and her Lord. Although my soul longs for intimate communion with Him, my flesh is weak and often does not.
Thankfully, our God is patient and merciful with us; loving us beyond our comprehension. He does not give us the justice we deserve, but rather the grace we so desperately need. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Cor 9:15 (NIV)
It is incredible to imagine that we are afforded the same royal treatment that is due Him because of what Jesus did for us. Since we are honored in this way, may our very lives be a fragrant perfume anointing the feet of our Lord as we pour ourselves out in a life of worship to God. By the power of His Spirit, may this sweet aroma fill not only the house, but the whole earth so that the world may become keenly aware of our love and devotion to Him.
—Jeff Bogue
(c) copyright 2008
![64200: Everyone"s Guide to Hebrews](http://ag.christianbook.com/g/thumbnail/6/64200t.gif "64200:
Everyone"s Guide to Hebrews")
“may our very lives be a fragrant perfume anointing the feet of our Lord as we pour ourselves out in a life of worship to God.”
What a beautiful picture!
Christy
That puts things in perspective.
Here’s to living our lives for Him!
-Dwayne
“It is incredible to imagine that we are afforded the same royal treatment that is due Him because of what Jesus did for us. Since we are honored in this way, may our very lives be a fragrant perfume anointing the feet of our Lord as we pour ourselves out in a life of worship to God.”
Amazing thought, yes. Great insights.
Thanks for the thoughts.
I needed the reminder.
Can’t fault a guy who rides a V-Star.
“SWEET”
the post that is!