By: Juliet Constantine

“But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.’” (John 12:7-8)
 

At Jesus’ going away supper, while others dined and conversed with Him, Mary, out of sheer gratitude, felt a compulsion to anoint Jesus. So she anointed His feet using a very expensive ointment, and her hair was the towel. It was nothing strange to anoint dead bodies, but it was a strange sight to behold the anointment of a living person. Some thought it was a sexual advancement and were very critical of her, others thought that she broke protocol and was being disrespectful. It would seem that no one, except Jesus, was grateful for what she did. No one saw the significance of what she did. And even though Jesus told them why, no one grasped the deep truth of what He said. If they did, the mood of the supper might’ve changed.

It wasn’t surprising that Judas was annoyed with Mary’s actions; it was not anointing Jesus that bothered him, but he criticized her because he was a thief. He wanted the money for himself – not for the poor as he claimed. In rendering your genuine service to God, you may be criticized and others may view your actions as self fulfilling. Give your service anyway. As you strive to have that close relationship with God, you will be subject to similar treatment. Many who have been just spectators in God’s church will want to shut you up and ‘pin’ you to your seat. But I say to you, step-pass the crowd and praise your God anyway. You alone know the dept from which He rescued you.

Mary loved Jesus for many reasons; but more so because of the compassion and understanding He showed her when she needed it the most. She counted her blessing and her verbal praise was choked back by tears; yet, her actions spoke volumes of her undying admiration and gratitude to this man. He showed her a better life.

Perhaps you feel that your praise is stifled. Perhaps you have allowed the traditions of men to dictate the way you praise your God. Let nothing hinder your indescribable praise to God. Be like David who danced uncontrollably when he realized that the Ark of God was returning to God’s people. Michal, his wife, could not understand the reason for his behavior. But I believe David said to her: “You don’t know what God did for me. You don’t know how He saved me from mine enemies. So, wife, give me pass let me praise my God.”

Jesus told His disciples to leave Mary alone. Leave Mary alone because she only sensed what was coming and had begun her preparation. The same way He may be telling others to leave His children alone. Let them be. Their praise is acceptable to God-- that’s all that matters. Leave them alone as they praise their God.

Oh my Father, please help me to praise You no matter where I am. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)