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Day 2: The Power of Extreme Devotion

Simon, the host of the gathering, knew the value of Jesus firsthand. His healing had enabled him to invite friends over to his home. Loneliness is devastating to our well-being and he was no doubt grateful that Jesus’ actions not only healed him physically but restored him emotionally through the ability to reconnect with the community. As the men reclined at the table an unnamed woman walked right up to Jesus, pouring out her extravagant praise. Its lush fragrance filled the room causing everyone to notice this was no ordinary act of kindness. This far exceeded the average hospitality shown to a houseguest. This anointing was befitting for a King. 

The words ‘extreme devotion’ reverberated throughout my being. It caused me to pause, reflect, ask questions, and yield my plan to His agenda. Why was God making me ponder this action? Pause, reflect, ask, yield. I see it now. It’s time to PRAY:

Pause 

Reflect

Ask

Yield

According to Priscilla Shirer, “Until we intentionally discipline ourselves to be still and listen, we’ll miss most of what He’s saying.”

Extreme devotion is intentional. It’s a spiritual discipline shown in our willingness to focus our attention on Jesus. It is found at the furthest point away from average. We must sacrificially break open our lives, reveal our vulnerabilities, and offer unto God that which costs us something significant. Sacred listening comes with a high price tag. Intimacy with Him is cultivated through loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. Keeping His commandments requires us to move far beyond average. But we aren’t called to be like the average Christian, we’re called to be like Christ. Being like Christ means we must pause in His presence, reflect on His character, ask for His guidance, and yield to His will, day after day, to anoint His head with the precious oil of our devotion. 

Today’s Assignment: Read through Mark 14:3-9 slowly. Look at each verse and see yourself in each of the characters. Ponder the one who’s been healed and restored to community. Can you see yourself as the one willing to show the depth of your love to Jesus but remain unnamed? Are you among the crowd complaining to one another about someone else’s actions? Pause, reflect, ask, and yield to whatever impressions or visions God lays on your heart.