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EXTRAVAGANT WORSHIP
John chose to include this account in order that we might understand something of what real worship is. Worship is the center of Christian life. Mary took a pound of costly ointment and poured it on Jesus. Later, Judas complains about the extravagance of using what, in effect, was a year's pay for a laborer, to anoint the feet of Jesus. This account makes clear that she understood the work of Jesus and the change he had made in her heart. She was also deeply appreciative not only of the restoration of her brother Lazarus, but in the magnificent teaching she heard from him as she sat at his feet.
This is what accounts for her extravagance here. She spared no expense, she cared nothing for the customs of the day, entering into a supper where women were usually not welcome, letting down her hair in public, an unthinkable act in that culture, and openly expressing her love for Jesus. But that's how love and worship act. They are uncaring of expense.
I don't know what young men bring to young women these days to express their love, but, when I was a young man, it was a dozen of red American roses. I remember digging deep in my pocket once for what seemed an enormous amount of money, for a dozen such roses for a young lady. But love takes no note of things like expense.
Again, that's how love and worship are uncaring of expense. Worship is a heart transformed that expresses itself regardless of cost.
The essence of true prayer is worship. Are our prayers characterized by adoration, gratitude for who God is and His unequivocal and lavish love toward us in the gift of His Son, our Lord, our Savior?
John chose to include this account in order that we might understand something of what real worship is. Worship is the center of Christian life. Mary took a pound of costly ointment and poured it on Jesus. Later, Judas complains about the extravagance of using what, in effect, was a year's pay for a laborer, to anoint the feet of Jesus. This account makes clear that she understood the work of Jesus and the change he had made in her heart. She was also deeply appreciative not only of the restoration of her brother Lazarus, but in the magnificent teaching she heard from him as she sat at his feet.
This is what accounts for her extravagance here. She spared no expense, she cared nothing for the customs of the day, entering into a supper where women were usually not welcome, letting down her hair in public, an unthinkable act in that culture, and openly expressing her love for Jesus. But that's how love and worship act. They are uncaring of expense.
I don't know what young men bring to young women these days to express their love, but, when I was a young man, it was a dozen of red American roses. I remember digging deep in my pocket once for what seemed an enormous amount of money, for a dozen such roses for a young lady. But love takes no note of things like expense.
Again, that's how love and worship are uncaring of expense. Worship is a heart transformed that expresses itself regardless of cost.
The essence of true prayer is worship. Are our prayers characterized by adoration, gratitude for who God is and His unequivocal and lavish love toward us in the gift of His Son, our Lord, our Savior?
About this Plan
Worship is defined as the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity. If this is the definition of worship, then Jesus is the only one who deserves worship, no one else and nothing else. Worship is not just the songs we sing at church or the raising of our hands but worship as defined by the Bible is giving our lives as living sacrifice to God who is the object, the reason and the meaning of our worship.
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