Holy Week: Pause. Ponder. Pray.Sample

PAUSE.

As we continue to prepare our hearts, today is a good day to pause and look at the action and the heart of this woman who anointed Jesus before His death.

We see such a stark contrast to the heart of Judas Iscariot. She is a wonderful picture of a heart poured out upon the Lord:

A heart spent on Him.

A heart with priorities right.

A heart that does not cling to things.

A heart that honors Jesus.

A heart that honors Jesus with her all.

Interestingly enough, she may have seen this action as merely an expression of love for Jesus. But this seemingly isolated action of devotion served a larger plan in the purposes of God. And this woman probably had no way to know. Until Jesus told everyone. What was in her heart came forth in her deeds.

What do you treasure in your heart?

What do your deeds say? Your words?

Who knows what Jesus can do with seemingly isolated actions of devotion?

PONDER.

TAKE THE TRUTH TO HEART

Are our hearts like this woman's heart toward the Lord Jesus? When we think about the cross and the empty grave is our heart poured out to Him in thanksgiving and praise? Do we have a heart that honors Jesus with our all? The disciples objected that this ointment could have been put to "better use." People in our lives as well might object to the lavish extent that we follow the Lord Jesus. Will we allow that to keep us back?

Or maybe our own hearts begin to object. Are you tempted sometimes to think that you have wasted your devotion on the Lord? Or your time in prayer?

Nothing done in right devotion to the Lord Jesus is ever lost or wasted, while--ironically--the greatest amount of mammon given to the poor from wrong motives is not worth a penny in the eyes of heaven.

PRAY.

Heavenly Father, search my heart. Try me and show me what and who I worship. I want to worship you and you alone.

I confess that I treasure...(confess what you treasure in your heart in place of Christ).

I confess that I don't take time in prayer because...(confess what takes priority over prayer).

Help me lay down all of my fears.

Help me pour out all I am and all I have for you.

You alone are worthy of all of my worship.

In Jesus' name, I pray,

Amen