The fragrance of a miracle

I had a close friend and mentor named John. John loved me like a son, and I loved him like a father. One morning, John came to my office, pulled up a chair, and said, “I am going to anoint you and pray over you.” He didn’t ask me…he just did it.

He took a small vial of oil, dipped his finger in it, made the mark of the cross on my forehead, and prayed, “Our gracious God and loving heavenly Father, I bless Grant, my son, and ask that You give him the deepest desires of his heart. May he walk worthy of the name of Jesus, His Lord and Savior. May he remain humble, focused, and filled with joy today. Amen.”

A miracle happened at that moment! God showed up in power because of a humble prayer and a humble servant (John, not me!)

On the Wednesday of Holy Week, an anointing takes place. As recounted in the Bible, it is a humble act by a humble woman:

“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked. ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.’ Aware of this, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to Me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me. When she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.’” (Matthew 26:6-13, NIV)

Can you smell the beautiful fragrance of pouring your life out for Jesus? What an extravagant act of love and generosity! This humble woman poured out a love offering on Jesus, and He did exactly the same for all of us.

Right now, because of all that Jesus did for us, YOU are anointed with grace and mercy. You are covered in the blessings of God. You are dripping with the faithfulness, hope, and love of Jesus! You have been blessed and anointed with the oil of JOY! Jesus has emptied the cup of His love over your head so that you can experience the fragrance of a miracle relationship with Him.

On this Holy Wednesday, would you take some time and pour out your heart to Jesus in praise, worship, and gratitude? Would you make a sacrifice and bless someone with an act of humility and generosity? What could you pour out today that would change someone’s eternity and be permanently etched in his/her memory because it comes from a place of humility and love?

I will never forget this woman’s gift. I will never forget the gift of John’s anointing. I will be eternally grateful for all of the gifts of Jesus.

Believing today for your miracle!

Grant Fishbook