There's Hope For TodaySample

I almost passed her by on this reading through the Gospels.

When I get close to her, I feel a little uncomfortable. She was quick to break with convention, and I’m a pretty orderly type. She was overly emotional, and I’m not given to great public displays of private feelings. She made others uncomfortable, and I’ve always shied away from people like that. She’s just a footnote in the Easter week, and I would have passed her by except for a nagging question.

As I looked upon this woman pouring out her substance as she poured out her heart, the question rattled me a bit: “Have I ever done anything like that for Jesus?” Do I give my all and my best to demonstrate my love for Him? Have I ever evoked the criticism of others because of my ardent devotion to Jesus? Is my expression of worship excessive, or is it restrained, meager, and predictable?

She was criticized, possibly even shamed for her “wasteful” display of passion, but Jesus said that what she did would be remembered forever. I’ve learned that the great days in a life are lived outside the comfort zone. Look at this lady today and ask yourself, “Have I ever done anything like that for Jesus?”