THE WOMAN WITH THE ALABASTER BOX

During the past couple of weeks, I have been re-considering the story of the woman with the alabaster box. Matthew 25:6-13 tells one version of her story as the lady who pours out very costly oil (some say spikenard) over the head of Jesus. Interestingly, variations of this story appear in both Mark 14:3-9 and John 12:1-8. Besides verifying the event actually happened, 3 versions also indicate the story is significant. There are many important ideas in this short piece. Having decades of ministry experience only complicates the plethora of talking points and historical/theological concepts. Yet, currently I am drawn to what this story shows us about the connection the woman had with Jesus. A few observations based on her actions grant some insight into that relationship:

1. She desperately wanted to be in the presence of Jesus.
2. She defied the social customs of the day.
3. She poured out the most valuable thing she had.
4. She already knew the magnitude of His love and had experienced His grace.
5. Having experienced His love, she wanted to respond in kind.
6. She wanted to bless Him.

Historians have said the 300 denarii she spent on the oil amounted to a year’s wages and they frequently point to the financial extravagance of the act. Emotionally, however, I think her desire to be near Jesus, in defiance of the social norms of her day, merit even greater consideration. Many of the people at the gathering condemned her actions and some of those were even followers of Jesus. Yet her desire to be close to her Savior and show Him her love for Him outweighed all other considerations. She was in very dangerous waters socially yet she took no care for herself, but passionately pursued honoring Jesus.

Interestingly, I have also been spending some time in the book of John. One particular passage has been resonating with me, and relates to the woman with the alabaster box. John 12:42-43 tells of a number of rulers who believed in Jesus but did not confess Him because they were afraid the Pharisees would throw them out of the synagogue. John adds the rulers “… loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” Wow! What a stark contrast to the woman who anointed Him just a few verses earlier in the same chapter of John.

So why does this matter? Because so many people of faith have obviously invested tremendous quality time in the secret places with God. And whatever box which would not allow people to acknowledge Jesus 2000 years ago will still try to keep those rich moments with God from spilling out onto those around us. Yet, we need to break that alabaster box, however beautiful it may be and however well intentioned the craftsmen who made it, and allow our overwhelming passion for our Savior to pour out. He has worked great things in us in those secret places we have spent with Him and those gifts are not just for us. We each have developed our own distinctive, fragrant oil in our time with God. It is time for those offerings to be poured out publicly to the benefit of all who have eyes to see and ears to hear. Let us approach our Lord with the same heart as the woman with the alabaster box; passionately devoted to loving our Lord with our whole heart and a brave disregard for the praise of men!

I ARISE TODAY THROUGH A MIGHTY STRENGTH

“I arise today through a mighty strength…” (from St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer). Have you ever had a season of life where it seems like every day requires the strength of God to get through? Where it becomes evident on a daily basis that my own strength, my own understanding, is insufficient to overcome the obstacles before me. In the changing times swirling around me, I have had to be intentional about approaching God and praising Him. I have had to function so far outside of my comfort zone; I can’t even see it from here. The whole concept of a comfort zone is a vague and distant memory. Experience tells me this place of discomfort is where God does His most dramatic transformational work. My flesh tells me how uncomfortable the process is and craves an easier answer. Fortunately, or unfortunately, some of the challenges are so complex; I know I cannot think my way through to a solution. I cannot rely on my own understanding. Instead, I have to keep my eyes on the face of my partner, God, and dance with Him over the very dangerous knives below our feet. If I look down, the fear will cause a misstep, which I cannot afford. My only solution is to keep my eyes firmly focused on the face of my Savior and trust Him to lead me through the treacherous territory.

I remember Joshua and Caleb who, while seeing the Giants, focused on the promise. I pray God helps me see through the supernatural eyes of faith while, at the same time, increasing my faith. I know many a saint has passed through these kinds of precarious circumstances to reach through to a richer, fuller life – Esther, Elijah, Paul, Mary, Deborah, Joshua, Caleb, and Ruth to name a few. I also realize St. Patrick wrote his prayer specifically to deal with seasons of life where we need to be reminded there is more going on than our daily experience. There is a much bigger story going on, spiritual forces at work on our behalf. There are also opposing forces of darkness fighting to get us to question the heart of our God. We must remember in the tight places to keep our eyes on God and be aware that we arise today …”through God’s strength to pilot me: God’s might to uphold me…God’s hand to guard me…God’s shield to protect me…So that there may come to me abundance of reward” (from St. Patrick’s Breastplate prayer). Remember there is a battle for a victory. So keep your eyes on the prize and continue to search for the fulfillment of God’s promise. Onward Christian soldiers! Let’s fight well the battle before us so we may see God glorified.