"Safe Harbor's" Daily Inspiration

"Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box

of very precious ointment,

and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying,

To what purpose is this waste?

For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor."

Matthew 26:6-9

What can we pour out

I imagine the reaction of the disciples was understandable,

since they had been walking with Jesus, and knew the needs of the poor and needy.

The pouring out of this costly ointment could have bought help for many.

They felt this woman was truly wasting it.

However, Jesus did not stop the woman.

He let her pour the ointment on His head and addressed the disciples:

"Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body,

she did it for my buriel."

(Verses 10-12)

Many Christian actions today, fall under the same judgment

as the woman's in Jesus' day.

"It's a waste," some say.

When we consider our reason for given action or activity,

we need to be sure it is that which is dedicated to God,

shows His glory, and reveals His intent for life is not wasted.

What expresses duty without love is wasted.

Our values are under God's judgment.

He sees both action and motive in all we do.

And that which does not respond to His love, is waste!

They alabaster jar was poured out in appreciation

of Christ's sacrifice.

What can we pour out in appreciation to honor and glorify our Lord?